Pubwatch's online success

The number of troublemakers banned from Swindon Pubwatch pubs has more than tripled since the launch of its website.

Around 40 pubs and clubs in Swindon are using a website to inform each other of banned customers. The website was launched last October and the number of troublemakers barred from member pubs has now reached 43 - 15 people were barred when the online scheme launched.

Swindon Pubwatch chairman Jon Jackson told the Swindon Advertiser: "Since the launch of the scheme there has been a steady rise in the number of bans. The number is now about 50, which speaks volumes.

"It is a minority of people who cause the issues and we can weed them out. Once they have been barred it leaves a safer environment for people to go out in."

He reported that the police now supply photographs, which improves the quality of records. He said: "Before, there was not an effective system in the town."

Swindon Police licensing officer Sian Kalynka said: "There are a high number of people banned but the pubs have criteria on why they are barred.

"The Pubwatch scheme is a great success because we now see hardly any repeat offenders in the night-time economy."

People are initially banned for one year and their case is reviewed after that period.

Swindon Pubwatch secretary Gemma Rowlands said: "The online banning system has been really successful.

"It has worked because all of the managers look at the system and help keep it up to date."