Knife detector at Oswestry nightclub in festive crackdown

Sniffer dogs will be also be touring pubs in Oswestry over the coming weeks in a bid to tackle drug abuse, alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Keith Steele of West Mercia Police said the initiatives would ensure revellers can enjoy a safe night out in the town. He said the aim was to prevent problems arising by making sure knives and drugs did not find their way into pubs and clubs.

Members of Oswestry's Pubwatch group have also been provided with drug testing kits in a bid to stamp out drug misuse in the town.

The announcement comes following recent trials of the knife arch outside Gibsons nightclub in New Street, as well as officers out on patrol in the town with a sniffer dog that detects drugs.

Sergeant Steele added a taxi marshalling scheme would make a return to Oswestry over the party season, following a similar project introduced in the town by Shropshire Council and the police in 2011.

Marshals will offer assistance to customers and provide a safe environment for people to wait for taxis.

Sergeant Steele said: "The purpose of the knife arch is to combat the carriage of knives, and the same goes for drug possession with the dogs.

"I think this approach reassures the public as prevention is better than detection.

"The trial we held the other week was extremely positive, no arrests were made and people were extremely open and receptive, nobody refused to go through the arch.

"I believe these steps will prove effective in dealing with people carrying weapons, tackling drug use as well as any instances of anti-social behaviour on a night out.

"We want to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe night out in Oswestry, especially during the Christmas period."

Members of Oswestry's Pubwatch scheme backed the plans at their annual meeting on Tuesday, and will also play a part of their own in the misuse of drugs in Oswestry, after being issued with drug testing kits which have been funded by the Safer Communities Fund.

Jim Stafford, Pubwatch co-ordinator, said: "Oswestry Pubwatch members would like to remind their customers in the run up to the Christmas festivities that they want everyone to have a good time, but that they will not tolerate behaviour which threatens the safety of their staff and other customers and will not hesitate to impose bans."

Councillor Paul Milner, mayor of Oswestry, said he backed the plans laid out by police.

"If it's going to help reassure people and allow them to enjoy the festive season then I'm all for it," he said.

"People should be able to go out safe in the knowledge that they're going to have a good time in safety, especially over the festive season. Christmas should be an enjoyable and safe period for all.

"The night time economy is so important to the town and if this encourages people to go out and enjoy themselves in Oswestry over Christmas, and landlords are happy, then I fully support it.

"Thanks must go to the police for taking this proactive preventative measure in ensuring Oswestry is a safe place."