LANDLORDS across Rossendale have been invited to join forces in the largest Pubwatch scheme outside London after a number of people were injured in fights on licensed premises.

More than 150 pubs in the Valley have received invitations from the police who hope the scheme will effectively neutralise the trouble makers.

The scheme will be launched at a meeting on Monday, May 13, at the Astoria Ballroom in Rawtenstall at 1pm.

Sgt Colin Hudson of Rawtenstall Police, who is co-ordinating the scheme, said: "Last Christmas in Rossendale a lot of people were treated for serious injuries caused by fighting in pubs.

"We are keen to promote Pubwatch and it should be a major deterrent.

"If people realise they face being banned from every pub in the area, it may make them think twice about causing trouble."

"If we can reduce crime in Rossendale, it has to be a good thing for everyone.

"Rossendale does not have a specific crime problem but if we can create a zero tolerance it would be a bonus."

If all the pubs invited to take part sign up, the Pubwatch will be the biggest scheme in the country outside London.

Effectively it will mean that any person causing trouble in any pub in Rossendale will be banned from all member licensed premises.

Landlords today praised police for their efforts to make the Valley a safer place. Pat Carter, of Madison's Wine Lodge, Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, was encouraged by the news.

He said: "We have been waiting a long time for this kind of scheme. It will make life easier for landlords to know who the troublemakers are and have the power to ban them."

A landlord in Waterfoot, who did not want to be named because of past troubles in his pub, said it was a relief that something was being done.

"I run a quiet pub but it has been targeted quite a bit recently by people wanting to cause trouble.

"I will be much happier when I know this scheme is up and running."