A NEW Pub Watch scheme is being set up in the wake of a series of violent incidents in Clacton town centre.

Licensees from across the town met officers from Essex Police on Friday in a bid to cut violence, drugs and vandalism.

It comes after a 34-year-old man needed surgery after he was struck in the face with a belt in a toilet at Bentley’s Bar, in Marine Parade East, Clacton on February 10.

Three men were also treated for injuries following several alleged stabbings in Pier Avenue in the early hours of February 2.

The new Pub Watch scheme will see licensees unify as an independent group to thwart crime and anti-social behaviour in licensed premises.

Inspector Darren Deex, of the Clacton local policing team, said the first meeting was well attended and ended with everyone in agreement to work together to improve communication to make the town a safer place for those enjoying a night out.

He added: “The group will not tolerate behaviour such as verbal abuse, violence, theft, drug taking or selling and vandalism. It was fantastic to see everyone coming together as a unified group and agreeing to work in partnership for the benefit of their customers and staff.

“This is the first step towards creating a really effective Pub Watch scheme and the committee will have our full support in achieving this”.

He added that Pub Watch schemes may take action against individuals for anti-social behaviour in licensed premises.

This could be in the form of being banned by all of those pubs and bars involved in the scheme.

Mr Deex added that further details about the scheme will be announced in due course.

A 23-year-old man, from Clacton, was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and was released on bail until next month following the incident in Bentley’s Bar. Two men and a teenager were arrested following the incident in Pier Avenue on February 2.