NIGHTCLUB bosses across Bolton are joining forces to fight back against the criminals who have brought fear to the streets of the town.

In an unprecedented move, managers at four top nightspots have met to discuss plans to keep their premises safe for law-abiding revellers.

The Clubsafe scheme brings together The Temple complex, Atlantis, Ikon and Chicago Rock Cafe.

Club bosses decided to join together just days after two shootings outside the Atlantis and Temple venues within 24 hours last weekend.

In the group's new 'strategy for safe clubbing' they plan to set up a rogues gallery of unwanted clubbers and potential trouble-makers to be circulated on a regular basis to all licensed premises. The group also propose that their club's internal CCTV camera systems should be linked to the Bolton town centre spy cameras network.

Clubsafe members aim to develop a closer relationship between police on the beat and club doormen to create more confidence in dealing with potential disturbances.

During the first meeting of the Clubsafe group members also agreed they should set up secure safety bins for the purpose of holding confiscated drugs before police collect them.

The meeting was attended by John Musso of the Temple, Mark Law of Atlantis, Tony Broughton of Ikon and Ian Selby of Chicago Rock Cafe.

Speaking on behalf of the Clubsafe group Temple boss John Musso said: "We have set aside our business differences for one common gain -- safe clubbing in Bolton.

"The foremost aim of Clubsafe is to work with all authorities at all levels to ensure the safety of the many good working people and employees that visit our premises. It is hoped that all late night establishments will join the forum."

He added: "The truth is that Bolton is still a really safe place compared to many other places in the North-west. Incidents like the two shootings last weekend are very isolated."

The next meeting of Clubsafe will take place at the Skylark restaurant on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

Mr Musso is sending out invitations to the police, Bolton Council licensing bosses and licensing officers from Bolton Magistrates court.

He is also urging representatives from licensed premises around town to attend the meeting.

Pub and club bosses in Horwich have vowed to crackdown on violence in the town. As the busy Christmas season approaches members of Horwich Pubwatch have warned that trouble-makers who cause trouble in one pub will be banned from all venues in the area.