PUB landlords in Leyland say a scheme designed to call time on boozy troublemakers has simply shifted the problem to other areas.

It comes as the Seven Stars Pubwatch Scheme, which aims to reduce drunken and disorderly behaviour by putting persistent troublemakers on a 'banned' list, is being extended to include a further two pubs in the Moss Side area of Leyland.

Once a person is banned from one pub they are prevented from going to other boozers on the 'shop-them' list.

But Stephen Melling, and his wife Heather, landlords of The Gables pub in Hough Lane, believe the joint publican and police-run scheme is encouraging 'banned' drinkers to make a detour to their premises.

"We are worried the aggravation will shift to this end of town," he said. "We are having to stick together and keep a look out for one another. It should be a Leyland-wide scheme to take in all the pubs." And Stephen Ambrose, 35, landlord of The Roebuck, Worden Lane, said after having had friends attacked he fears for his own safety.

He said: "I've noticed one or two new faces in my pub and I'm very concerned. I've banned people already this year."

While police are sympathetic they say the current scheme can only include public houses in that part of town.

But officers say a new and similar scheme is already in the pipeline to help licensees in the rest of the town.

Sergeant Neil Sladen, organiser of the Seven Stars scheme, said: "I understand where the landlords are coming from. I'm very happy licensees are talking about it and getting together."

PC Rob Duerden, community beat manager for Leyland town centre, is to set up a scheme for five other pubs. As well as The Gables and The Roebuck he hopes to include The Fox and Lion in Worden Lane and The Ship and The George IV in Towngate.