POLICE and licensees in Bromyard have joined forces to target troublemakers as part of a new scheme.

Bromyard Against Night-time Disorder (BAND), is a mutual banning scheme to deter disorder and anti-social behaviour inside and outside the town’s licensed premises.

Licensees from eight pubs, bars and hotels have agreed to share information so troublesome individuals will be barred from all of their establishments if they cause trouble.

Sgt Andy Scott, of Bromyard’s local policing team, said: “It’s brilliant that we have got this scheme up and running, it’s what Bromyard needs, especially in the run up to Christmas.

“We are pleased to be working closely with our local landlords to deal with the small minority who indulge in unacceptable behaviour.”

Henry Topham, landlord of the Queen’s Arms and chairman of BAND, said: “I’m tired of the petty menaces we receive from some of the drinking public. Our other customers want to be able to come for a night out without it being ruined by a few people.

“I hope this will make Bromyard a friendlier place for people to come for a drink at the weekend. I think the scheme will be effective in calming things down and we hope that once the problem people realise they are being a pain and that we don’t want them around, being banned could help them change their behaviour.”

He added: “I want to see Bromyard have a noisy Christmas for the right reasons.”

The eight premises taking part in the scheme are the Queen’s Arms, the King’s Arms, Rose & Lion, Bay Horse, Hop Pole Hotel, Falcon Hotel, Crown & Sceptre and No.1 at Broad Street bar and bistro.

The scheme has been running since the end of November and has already seen seven people barred for 12 months.