A 'HARD' stance is being taken against violence, drug use and anti-social behaviour around pubs in Harle Syke.

A new pub watch scheme entitled HARD - Harle Syke Against Rowdy Disorder - has been set up by publicans and the police.

The scheme is being backed by the area's four main pubs - the Hare and Hounds, Sun Inn, Craven Heifer and the Commercial and they are promising tough action against anyone who is caught misbehaving.

PC Michael Tomlinson said: "The aim of the new HARD initiative is to reduce the number of violent incidents and amount of anti-social behaviour in and around Harle Syke.

"Anyone involved in acts of serious assault, violence, drug supply or use inside or outside of licensed premises, will face a ban from all pubs taking part. We are delighted to be working in partnership with local licensees on this pro-active initiative.

"All the publicans involved are very enthusiastic about the scheme having see how well Burnley town centre's Burnley Against Night-time Disorder (BAND) scheme works."

The four licensees recognised that a person causing trouble in their premises would just go to one of the other three if they were ejected. PC Tomlinson heard their concerns and came up with the HARD scheme.