THE borough’s licensing officer has re-launched Stourbridge’s Pubwatch scheme to crack down on booze-related crime in the town centre.

PC Natalie Lees, Dudley police lisencing officer, has reignited the formerly popular scheme which aims to bring together bar and pub managers across the town to tackle problems from disorder to licensing issues.

The initiative ran for many years but over the last couple activities had dwindled due to management changes at various bars.

It has now, however, been given a new lease of life - with licencees from Chicago’s, The Glasshouse, Edward Rutland, Stourbridge Academy, The Duke William, The Chequers, The Swan, The Bell, Moochers, Glass and The River Rooms all confirming membership.

PC Lees said the scheme had been re-introduced to get licencees and officers working together to “target any individuals causing trouble in the town”.

Pub bosses held their first meeting at Moochers yesterday (Wednesday September 4) and get togethers will be held at rotating venues on the first Wednesday of every month thereafter.

Regular meetings aim to give members chance to exchange information and intelligence to ensure Stourbridge remains a safe place for a night out.

Pub bosses can also contact each other through the town’s radio link system to warn of any potential issues on busy evenings.

The system is also linked to the borough’s CCTV control room and town centre police teams.

Sergeant Ade George, supervisor of neighbourhood policing across Stourbridge town, said: "Whilst Stourbridge town centre does not suffer from an excessive number of incidents we are determined to reduce incidents of alcohol related violence and this scheme is one of many ways that we can ensure the town centre is a safe place to live, visit and work.

"We will not tolerate instances of alcohol related disorder and by working closely with the licensees we will ensure those involved in such incidents will not be welcomed at licensed premises within the town.”