A SCHEME to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable night out in Henley is being launched today.

Nightsafe, which already operates in other Oxfordshire towns, is a local partnership involving police, South Oxfordshire District Council, South Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership and licensees. The aim is to improve the quality of nightlife within Henley.

Nightsafe is being officially launched in the town at 6pm in the Market Place.

New search arches will be demonstrated which can be used at pubs and nightclubs to ensure that no one is carrying a weapon. The arches, similar to those used at airports, can be deployed if ever there is a problem with knife crime in the town.

A drug-testing machine will also be on display to show how it can detect traces of drugs on people's hands.

The knife arches will be used at The Idle Hour and the Catherine Wheel later in the evening and the drug testing machine will be used at The White Lotus, Rivers, and The Slug and Lettuce. This has been arranged with the agreement of the licensees. Police said there are no specific knife crime issues, it is purely to demonstrate the use of the equipment and to reinforce that violent crime will not be tolerated in the town.

If anyone tests positive for traces of drugs or the knife arch is activated then a search will be carried out and they will be dealt with according to what is found. Going through the arch or drug testing machine will be a condition of entry.

A CCTV van will be at the event to show how it can be used to monitor any crime and antisocial behaviour, giving an early warning to police and helping towards convictions in court.

Members of the SODC Environmental Health team and Licensing Officer will have a display and be on hand to explain about what they can and can't do regarding licensing and noise pollution.

The Active 10/20 bus will be at the launch, which is an initiative to educate young people about the effects of alcohol. Members of the initiative will be there to explain how they can help prevent underage drinking.

Sgt Martin Jubb, who is co-ordinating the launch, said: "We have been planning the Nightsafe initiative for a long time and I am pleased that a lot of planning will now be put into practice to address concerns raised by many members of the community.

"Future plans involve rolling this out to all towns in South Oxfordshire later in the year.

"Henley is essentially a safe place to live and go out in. But there is always room for improvement. We are using the drug machine and knife arches to demonstrate what resources are available. There is no specific need to use them regularly, but they will help to deter anyone thinking of taking or selling drugs, and anyone stupid enough to carry a knife.

"We are aiming to improve every aspect of your night out in Henley, from pubs and clubs, food outlets, to getting out of the town safely after a good night out.

"The initiative is working well in other areas. The key is to work in partnership with other agencies and local licensees to promote good practice within pubs and clubs."