DETAILS of town centre troublemakers will be shared between businesses in a bid to crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour.

Pubs and clubs across Colchester will be able to get electronic alerts about punters who have been banned from establishments in the town.

Our Colchester Business Improvement District has agreed to fund the system, known as Disc, in a bid to boost the town’s nighttime economy and make the town safer place for visitors.

Members of the town’s Pub Watch initiative will be able to publish news, documents, alerts and events.

Essex Police has also agreed to allow information on individuals who have been banned from businesses to be shared with other Disc members.

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Paul DeAngelis, Colchester Pub Watch committee member, said the move would be a big boost to the night-time economy in the town.

He said: “As an active group of responsible town centre licensees we are all very excited about the introduction of the Disc banning system.

“It is a vital tool for the Colchester Pub-Watch community in the battle against crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within our town.

“Colchester already enjoys a vibrant and safe night time economy and through the Business Improvement District’s backing in getting this system off the ground, we can not only ensure it stays that way but see it improve further still.”

As part of its town centre remit, Business Improvement District has been exploring ways to improve Colchester’s night-time economy and reduce petty crime.

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On the advice of Pub Watch, which is the Business Improvement District’s nighttime focus group, the organisation agreed to fund the introduction of Disc, which is available via an app or desktop computer.

The Business Improvement District would not reveal how much had been invested to get the system implemented.

Police licensing officer Alan Beckett said: “I am pleased that Colchester Pub Watch has been able to get the Disc system.

“The use of the system will allow venues in Colchester to see who has been banned previously and prevent them from coming into their venues.

“This can only make the Colchester nighttime economy a safer place for people to enjoy.”

Any business which already attends Colchester Pub Watch meetings will be allowed to sign up for access to the Disc system.

The Business Improvement District represents 491 firms in Colchester town centre. It is funded by the companies and is independent of Colchester Council.