VIOLENT crime has fallen in Cheltenham town centre – and police are chalking the results up to their partnership with the Nightsafe group.

Nightsafe is a partnership of bar, club and takeaway owners, taxi drivers and other night-time workers, the police and Cheltenham Borough Council, which aims to reduce crime and disorder in the town.

One of its most successful initiatives has been to connect pubs and clubs with police by a radio system, which also links to closed circuit television operators at Cheltenham police station, and on Friday and Saturday nights, to the Police public order patrol.

The licensing officer for Cheltenham Police, PC Andy Cook, said: “Cheltenham has a vibrant nightlife that attracts visitors from throughout the county and further afield.

“In the town centre alone there are more than 150 premises licensed to sell alcohol and excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to anti-social behaviour and violence.”

Sixty-five incidents of violence were reported in Cheltenham town centre in June 2008, compared to 94 in June 2007 and the all-time high of 150 in October 2005.

PC Cook said: “A small number of people can easily spoil an evening for customers and staff in licensed premises and Cheltenham police and Cheltenham Borough Council have been working closely with Nightsafe members to ensure that Cheltenham remains a safe place to visit by introducing various crime reduction measures.

“This drop in violent crime is very encouraging and is largely thanks to the Nightsafe partnership and the responsible management of the pubs, clubs and restaurants and diligent work by door staff. However, we are not going to relax.

“By working together we can make Cheltenham even safer and reduce crime, disorder and violence for those who live in and visit the town.”