DRUNKEN troublemakers and underage drinkers are to be banned from Bolton town centre pubs and clubs.

Bradshawgate, Nelson Square and surrounding areas will become "no go" zones for troublemakers in a new crackdown.

Photographs of the banned drunks will be circulated to licensees in special "offender albums" to ensure they do not flout the banning order.

The crackdown will be mounted over the summer when police officers will warn louts and lawbreakers that their behaviour will not be tolerated. The details of the offenders will then be stored on a database.

If they continue to misbehave, they will be made subject of anti-social behaviour orders.

The exclusion scheme will be similar to the one currently operating during the day affecting shoplifters and pickpockets who have been caught in the shopping centre.

The ban on the drunken louts is part of a strategy of a new organisation, the Bolton Townsafe Partnership Group, launched last week.

The group includes police, landlords, representatives of the Town Centre Company, Vehicle Auto Crime Forum, Community Safety Team, Bolton Emergency Response Group and bus companies.

The aim of the group is to promote the image of Bolton town centre as a safe place.

An Evening Economy Manager will soon be recruited and part-time evening ambassadors are now patrolling the town centre.

Licensees have been sent letters asking them if they would like to join the scheme which will include a radio link-up system.

A number of other initiatives are already in place to make Bolton as safe as possible for those enjoying an evening out.

A Community Protection Unit, made up of police, the licensed trade, trading standards, HM Customs & Excise, has been set up to make sure premises are complying with their licences.

The agencies have already carried out spot checks on several pubs and clubs.

Special late-night buses are also due to start running later in the year to take people home from the town centre.

Seminars will be held for licensees on topics including how police target premises, drug awareness and conflict resolution.

This week, Bolton was named as one of 77 areas throughout the country to take part in a government crackdown on binge drinking during the next two months

But Chief Insp Pat McKelvey, from Bolton Police, said Bolton was already leading the way.

He said: "We have a number of initiatives already in place making Bolton the place to come for an enjoyable and safe night out.

"And there are more in the pipeline including the extension of the exclusion scheme. Anyone who is found to be causing problems from fights to general rowdy behaviour will be made subject to an ASBO.

"The weekend in Bolton begins on a Thursday and runs until Sunday. It is now time for licensees to take social responsibility for the inside and the outside of their premises."

Cathy Savage, Bolton Town Centre Manager said: "Making Bolton's evening economy renowned throughout the North West for being safe and exciting is only possible with everyone's involvement and partnership."