POLICE, licensees and residents in Ponteland have come together to start a PubWatch scheme.
Following the success of other similar initiatives around East Tynedale, Neighbourhood Beat Manager Paul Henery has met with local licensees in the village who have formed their own PubWatch scheme in Ponteland.
All 21 of the licensed premises in Ponteland are signed up to the scheme. That includes nine pubs, the leisure centre and social club, eight restaurants, three supermarkets and one off-licence.
PC Henery said : "Due to the relatively small number of pubs in the town centre we have managed to get all of the licensed premises to sign up to the scheme which is fantastic. And it means if someone is banned from one of the pubs then they won't be able to go to a restaurant or somewhere else that sells alcohol and cause more trouble.
The PubWatch members appointed local landlord Paul Holliday as chairman of the scheme and he attends meetings held every two months with police, local council officers, and other licensees signed up to the scheme to discuss any current local problems and share national good practice between members.
He said: "It's an excellent way to give the licensees and public in Ponteland a united voice to deal with a number of issues in the town, the chance to liase with the police and council regularly and it helps ensure Ponteland remains a safe drinking environment for residents and visitors."
If you want any further information about a PubWatch scheme in your area you can contact your local Neighbourhood team on 03456 043 043.
Source: Northumbria Police
