PUBLICANS and police are cracking down on drink-related crime and antisocial behaviour in and around Fordingbridge.

The Avon Valley town has now joined the growing list of towns in the New Forest District Council area which operates a Pub Watch scheme in a bid to eradicate antisocial actions and improve life for the vast majority of pub-goers who behave themselves.

Police say they will now take a "robust approach to dealing with the small minority of individuals responsible for violent and antisocial behaviour".

Pub Watch will allow police officers to issue bans and exclusion orders on people who commit criminal offences at or near licensed premises. All seven members of the scheme have agreed to ban anyone responsible for committing an assault or public order offence in or near any of the participating pubs.

Where evidence exists that will support an application for an exclusion order, police will apply to a magistrates' court.

To do away with any doubt about who is barred and who is not, pubs will be provided with photographs of offenders and licensees will be allowed to refuse entry to anyone banned from other bars.

PC Karen Warren said: "We have had our fist meeting and all the participants are very keen to support the scheme. It has been a very positive start."

Participating pubs are the Ship, the Crown, Butlers Bar and the George in the town centre, the Tudor Rose in Salisbury Road, the Augustus John in Station Road and the Fighting Cocks at Godshill.