NIGHT-TIME troublemakers are facing a two-year town centre ban -- and have been warned they have no place to hide.

A new crackdown aims to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour by arming managers of restaurants, pubs and stores with radios.

Immediate contact will also be made to the police.

Prosecuted troublemakers could face two-year exclusion orders imposed by police on behalf of the Bolton Town Centre Company.

Identities will be recorded on a database for managers to monitor, allowing those already banned to be detained and brought before the courts.

It is hoped the crackdown will target a variety of offences, including robbery, street crime and shoplifting.

In a similar day-time initiative, 37 people aged between 20 and 35 have been banned from the town centre for two years, with only eight breaching the order.

Now, Bolton Town Centre Company hopes the night-time scheme will act as a deterrent -- and keep Bolton's streets safe.

The bus station in Blackhorse Street will also benefit from the radio link up for the first time.

Town Centre Company security development manager Rob Dyson said: "It will take the idea of Pub Watch to a new level and is certainly the way forward.

"If people know they can come into Bolton town centre safely at night then more people will obviously do so. They will also know that if there is a problem it will be dealt with."

Around 43 radios, serving 75 businesses, are linked in the day-time project. But exact details of the Town Centre Company's Evening Economy Radio Link scheme are being finalised.

The cost of joining the scheme, backed by Greater Manchester Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and Bolton magistrates, depends on the size of the business.

But shops, pubs and stores open at night are today urged to pledge their support.

"The day-time scheme has had a massive impact on shops and retail trade in the town centre. What we want to do now is extend it to shops and businesses at night," Mr Dyson added.

"We do have a healthy town centre already but we want to maintain it and keep Bolton a safe place to shop and have fun at night.

"I would urge, pubs restaurants and businesses to contact me and pledge their support."

Aron Sloly, manager at Bolton's Bar Juice, added: "We will be one of the first to sign up when it is ready. I think it is a great idea which will help Bolton's night life no end. It can't come quickly enough."

Contact the Town Centre Company on 01204 523762.