Pubgoers who cause trouble could be banned from every Eastbourne pub under a scheme launched today.

Barwatch aims to counter alcohol-related disorder to make Hastings and St Leonards a more attractive night-time destination.

Surveys have revealed some people stay away from the town centre because they find it intimidating.

Under Barwatch, troublemakers who are barred from one pub will be banned from all those taking part in the scheme.

A communication system between licensees, police and town centre security staff has been set up to ensure prompt responses to disorder.

And the scheme, launched today at Club XS in Prospect Place, Hastings, has been modelled on similar initiatives elsewhere in Sussex.

In Eastbourne, criminals face being banned from shops, buses, pubs and taxis under a scheme set up by police, the borough council and the town centre management initiative.

Sussex Police share pictures of known offenders with all members. Intelligence on criminal activity is shared through incident reports from other members and police data.

In addition, members join an exclusion notice scheme enabling them to ban offenders from all members' premises.

Training on conflict management and security advice is also given.