THE police, the fire brigade and the city council are joining forces to tackle head on the problem of alcohol-fuelled violence in the city centre.

The pioneering co-operative project has been named 'Operation Landmark' and has been set up to create a "holistic" approach to improving public safety at the weekend.

By joining forces they plan to closely monitor licensing laws and fire regulations as well as planning and public safety issues to ensure licensed premises are well run.

Operation Landmark will come into operation this weekend and will also include an increased police presence on the city's streets.

In recent years Lancaster has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of licensed premises and a huge upsurge in the numbers of people who socialise in the city with visitors coming from as far as Cumbria, Yorkshire and beyond.

There has also been a dramatic increase in alcohol-fuelled violence.

Inspector Ralph Copley explained: "This is a prime example of local agencies sharing a collective responsibility to ensure that Lancaster is a safe environment for the many people who choose to take advantage of the variety of entertainment venues in Lancaster.

This equally provides a greater opportunity to deal effectively with the minority who cause problems with everyone else."

City Council cabinet member Gina Dowding added: "The council is pleased to be involved in another good example of partnership working to reduce violent crime in the city centre.

The important thing is that people feel they can visit Lancaster in safety at any time day or night."

The multi-agency enforcement team will be visiting premises identified as being problematic to look at how public safety can be enhanced.