Wirral Pub Watch scheme is hailed a success

Jun 18 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

VIOLENT crime in and around pubs in Wirral has taken a dramatic drop.

Over the past year, figures have seen a reduction of almost 80pc - due in the main to the success of the borough’s Pub Watch scheme.

Keith Raybould, of Wirral Chamber of Commerce’s Business Crime Direct, said: “Pubwatch allows licensees to ban offenders.

“Photographs of the culprits are circulated to other licensed premises so that every licensee is aware of who is causing trouble and can then take appropriate action.

“The aim of the initiative is for everyone - police, Wirral Council and the chamber - to work together so that the public can go out and have a drink in safety.”

Regular meetings of all the various organisations, he added, also provide a forum for discussion and where areas of concern can be raised.

Ed Casey, chairman of Birkenhead Pub Watch, said: “Since the scheme’s inception, we have worked with the police and other agencies to promote a safe environment in licensed premises.

“We are now reaping the benefits - the figures speak for themselves.

“We have pioneered many groundbreaking initiatives, such as the banning schemes, and continue via our forums to move forward.

“With the same level of help and co-operation from my fellow licensees and everyone else involved in Pub Watch, let’s hope we can make Wirral an even safer place to enjoy a night out.”

l Wirral licensees who want to join Pub Watch can contact Janet McEneany at Wirral Chamber of Commerce, 16 Grange Road West, Birkenhead, on 647 8899.