PUB landlords are being urged to close their doors to prevent large scale violence by football hooligans during next month's local derby between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United.

Licensees across Bolton have been sent a letter from Chief Supt Don Brown of Bolton Police recommending that they stay closed until after the match which kicks off at noon on February 22.

If licensees choose not to comply with this, it is advised that they only allow regular customers through the doors.

Police have gathered intelligence that hooligans from both sides are planning to meet at an undisclosed licensed premises and cause disorder and violence.

They are also concerned that the thugs will cause trouble several hours after the game has finished when the police operation has been scaled down.

As a result, landlords are also being urged to stay closed during the afternoon and only open in the early evening.

If violence does break out, licensees could be forced to close by the police in order to preserve the safety of the public.

Anyone who still refuses to shut could be prosecuted under section 179 of the Licensing Act 1964.

Supt Alan Green from Bolton Police said: "The letter is a matter of precaution because we expect the Wanderers and Manchester United game to attract a greater number of people.

"With it being played on a busy shopping day, we want to make sure all the pubs are aware of their responsibility to the community at large. We don't want a large scale build up of people in the town centre on the day.

"Although letters have been sent to all the pubs, we will be speaking to the licensees in certain areas close to the event. It is part of ongoing intelligence and it is not surprising that the match with Manchester United will be more volatile than other games."

A large number of extra police officers will be on patrol in the town centre on the day of the game.

Supt Green added: "It is not right that some licensees can make large profits at the expense of the security of the people of Bolton.

"They are collectively expected to play their full role in making sure the day passes without any trouble.

"We would urge supporters from both teams to behave themselves on the day or they will be arrested."

After the violent disturbances in the town centre during the World Cup, many licensees fear there could be clashes between fans during next month's game and have agreed to follow the police's advice.

Phillip Caine, from the Brass House, on Churchgate said: "Town centre pubs need to unite to support the police initiative. The Brass House will not be opening before noon, just as the police want. Whether people agree or not, we will probably lose money but safety is the issue here.

"If the police have information on the events surrounding past games, it looks as though they have decided to take action. We have got to support the police."

However, other licensees in the centre feel that their pubs do not need to take such strong action as it is unlikely to affect them.

Liz Goodwill, licensee of the Three Crowns, on Deansgate, said: "On match days we only usually get a handful of fans coming in. We are a family pub and concentrate on serving meals during the day. It may mean having doormen at the front earlier."