Police and retailers are joining forces to crack down on public disorder and violence in the Winchester city centre.

The city centre partnership, consisting of Winchester Police, Winchester City Centre Management, WCC Community Safety and Licensing departments and King Alfred's College security, plans to tackle the causes of late-night disorder and violence. This initiative will start on January 9th.

There have been a string of late-night assaults and incidents in the High Street and Jewry Street areas, as well as complaints of damage, noise and "hooliganism" in surrounding streets.

Research suggests that the crimes are alcohol-related.

The police response, managed by Sergeants Karen Fisher and John Myall, will initially focus on providing a high visibility police presence around the trouble spots.

In the longer term, this will be bolstered by frequent visits to the city pubs and attending licensing meetings.

They will also extend their liaison with the students at King Alfred's College to promote personal safety and attempt to deter any students from offending.

As an additional measure, city centre manager, Graham Love, will be coordinating the relaunch of the Pubwatch scheme in conjunction with the police, the Licensing Department at Winchester City Council, Winchester CCTV and some licensees.

The scheme promotes communication between the members, police and city council on such matters as incidents which may occur on licensed premises, and the banning of some people from entering their premises.

"The idea is for people to go out for the evening, have a good time, and not to end their evening in the Accident and Emergency department or in the cells at Winchester Police station," said Sergeant Myall.

"Also, we want the residents of Winchester to be able to sleep safe in the knowledge that they will not be disturbed and that their property will not be damaged," he added.