TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AT CHRISTMAS

Pubwatch making party season safe

- STAFF REPORTER

Four troublemakers have been banned from licensed premises in Stirling bringing the total number of those currently excluded to 10.

The move comes in the run-up to Christmas as members of the city’s Pubwatch scheme prepare for the busiest time of the year and work to ensure nighttime visitors enjoy a safe festive season.

The city’s Pubwatch group, supported and administered by Go Forth Stirling BID, met to discuss any issues members have experienced, share future plans and update banning orders.

The organisation's motto — “Banned from one; Banned from all’ — means the minority of people who cause trouble in any one of a city's licensed premises face being barred from all their pubs for a period of one year.

Meanwhile, ‘Safe haven’ initiative Safebase — which recently moved to a new base in Friars Street — will be in place for anyone who needs help or support in the city on Saturday December 20, Saturday December 27 and on Hogmanay - Wednesday December 31.

Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director at Go Forth Stirling, said: “Go Forth, Pubwatch and other partners, including Safebase and Police Scotland, work together to strengthen confidence in Stirling's evening economy and ensure people can come into the city centre for an enjoyable and safe night out especially during the festive season.

“The banning orders are an ongoing initiative aimed at tackling the small number of troublemakers whose antisocial and criminal behaviour creates an unpleasant experience for everyone else.