A pubwatch scheme in Somerton has been relaunched following several incidents of alcohol-fuelled disorder in the town.

Under the scheme, anyone found acting in a disorderly manner in licensed premises will be dealt with by the police and banned from entering all the town pubs.

The length of the ban is discussed by the publicans themselves and supported by local officers. A scheme previously ran in the town, but was temporarily halted when the Somerton Hotel closed as owner Pete Frayne was chair of the group.

PC Stewart Brand said: "When people go out socialising in the town they want to be able to do so in a safe and trouble-free environment. For a small number, their behaviour deteriorates when they drink and they become disorderly.

"We have a good relationship with the local licensees and share the same determination to keep trouble out of Somerton."