ABUSIVE drinkers in Saffron Walden have been sent a joint message by pub landlords, the police and the district council to behave or be banned . Drinkers who are barred from one pub will now find they are banned from all of the licensed premises that hav

ABUSIVE drinkers in Saffron Walden have been sent a joint message by pub landlords, the police and the district council to 'behave or be banned'.

Drinkers who are barred from one pub will now find they are banned from all of the licensed premises that have signed up to the new initiative.

Essex Police Licensing Officer, Steven Sparrow, said: "We are working together to make sure that Saffron Walden is a safe place to enjoy a night out in licensed premises."

The joint initiative called Behave or be Banned (BOBB) is part of the Saffron Walden Pubwatch scheme and was launched in the Old English Gentleman (OEG), Gold Street, on Monday.

Landlord of the OEG for 11 years, Jeff Leach, said: "This should be a massive deterrent for any people who think they can cause problems in the local pubs.

"It is a real benefit for all of the landlords to work closely with the police and the council to make sure going to the pub is safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Most of the pubs in Saffron Walden have signed up to the scheme as well as many premises in the surrounding villages such as Littlebury and Newport. It is hoped that eventually all the pubs in the area will sign up to the scheme. Participating pubs will display a BOBB poster.

District Commander for Uttlesford, Chf Insp Joe Wrigley, said: "Saffron Walden is one the safest towns in the safest counties and with schemes such as this we are hoping to keep it this way.

"We have a very responsible group of licensees here and I hope that they will continue to work with the police to let people know that anti-social behaviour is not welcome."

The BOBB scheme has recently launched in Braintree and Witham and has already resulted in a banning order. Offenders who commit offences of violence, criminal damage, or possession of weapons or drugs will be candidates for a ban which can last up to 2 years.