Troublemakers may be driven out of a town centre when a new radio system is installed in pubs and clubs.

The £4,000 central radio transmitter linking pubs and clubs in Worthing will be installed this week and will run for a trial period over Christmas and New Year.

Licensees say this will be a real test of the strengthened Pubwatch and Clubwatch scheme where one pub will be able to pass on details of troublemakers to other licensees.

The aim is to ensure that if someone gets thrown out of one venue they are not let into another.

Guy Steddon, assistant manager of The Toad in Chapel Road, Worthing, said: "We are really excited about the prospect of the new radio system being installed. It shows we care about the town and want to create a positive environment.

"It is only the larger pubs that have joined up at the moment but the smaller ones may do after Christmas depending on how successful it is."

At the moment only a handful of the 32 licensed premises in Worthing town centre which belong to the Pubwatch and Clubwatch schemes are connected by radio.

Mr Steddon said: "It was difficult to keep tabs on troublemakers so a central radio link will make a huge difference. Troublemakers will not be able to get in anywhere and will have to leave the town.

"We want to send a message that we will not put up with antisocial behaviour."

Councillor George Stephens, Chairman of Worthing Council's licensing and control committee, said: "It is a matter of real urgency that we combat trouble in the town."