Northumberland pubs become radio active

Pubs in a Northumberland town will be on the same wavelength after staff were supplied with radios to help them keep tabs on troublemakers and warn other pubs about potential disorder.

Police have distributed 12 two-way radios to pubs in Cramlington to provide direct communication between licensees and police.

The development is led by the area's Pubwatch scheme and is part of a three-month campaign run by Blyth Valley's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The £30,000 campaign is aimed at tackling alcohol related crime and disorder, reducing underage sales and confiscating alcohol from under 18s.

Michelle Kennedy of the Blagdon Arms, Cramlington, said the new radios would provide further security for herself, staff, customers and other licensees in the area.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Mick Aspey said: "The radios mean pubs can alert each other if, for instance, there is a large or unruly group heading their way.

"They can also let each other know about individuals who may have had too much to drink and shouldn't be served. We will have a radio in the police station so we can listen in and respond quickly to any incidents."