WANTAGE is the latest Oxfordshire town to launch a Nightsafe scheme to combat drink and drug fuelled disturbances.

So far eight bars have signed up to the partnership between police and Pubs aiming to cut alcohol-related crime through awareness.

By signing up to the scheme, landlords pledge to attend regular pub watch meetings and to run drugs prevention and alcohol awareness campaigns.

The launch follows similar successful schemes in Oxford and Abingdon.

It means bar staff will be trained in drugs awareness and managing alcohol abuse.

Pubs to sign up so far include King Alfred’s Head, The Blue Boar, The Shoulder of Mutton, The Swan, The Bay Tree, The Comrades Club, The Royal Oak, and Shush nightclub.

Staff will wear badges and there will be beer mats and posters on display with slogans to deter revellers from drinking too much. Pubwatch already uses a radio system in the town so bars can alert others of trouble.

Owner of Shush Steve Head welcomed the Nightsafe scheme.

He said: “Wantage is a very safe place, however Nightsafe brings the night time business community together. We have ears and we can communicate with each other.

“Sadly alcohol can have an adverse effect on peoples’ behaviour. Managed correctly people can come out and have a good night and a safe night.”

There were three serious violent crimes, 48 assaults, and 44 assaults without injury reported in the town during the last financial year.

Peter Fowler, landlord of The Shoulder of Mutton in Walllingford Street, said: “We are working together to make sure the town centre is safe.

“When someone is out of control they should not be able to get another drink.

“It is better for them and it is certainly better for everyone else. It stops violence and the police being called.”

Nightsafe was launched in Oxford in 2004 and in Abingdon in May.