Hastings police have revealed plans to tackle the late night violence in Hastings town centre. More than 40 local licensees gathered at the Marina Pavilion in St Leonards in October to hear proposals from Ch Insp Martin Stevens and Insp Mike Fagan to help licensees and police alike tackle the violence which has erupted in the town centre over recent months.
the meeting follows the success in the town of Operation Marble, when up to 40 officers have been in the town centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights which has led to a sharp drop in the number of violent incidents.
the plans put forward by the officers included:
· a Pub and Club Watch scheme
· metal detectors on doors to prevent weapons being taken in to pubs and clubs
· amnesty boxes for drugs and weapons
· the introduction of plastic glasses
· the possibility of banning sales of drinks in bottles.
Insp Fagan, Hastings sector inspector, said: "It was a very positive meeting and we had a great deal of support from the local licensees."
Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety and Quality of Life, said: “Any moves to tackle night-time town centre crime are more than welcome. the police are already dedicating more resources in order to bring crime levels down and I am delighted that many other agencies and individuals in the town are willing to add their support.”
Kim Johnson, manager of the G Spot club in George Street, Hastings, said "Working together is a winner of an idea. This can only take us forward."
Mike Mercer, chairman of the Senlac Licensed Business Association, said: "the meeting was a huge step forward."
Licensees agreed that they would consider the proposals and that a meeting would be fixed for a later date to discuss what should happen next.
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This page last updated: 03/01/2001