THE launch of a Pub Watch scheme in Ilkley is likely to be welcomed by both licensees and residents with open arms.

Not only will pubs and bars be able support one another in the quest for trouble-free evenings and tip each other off about disruptive gangs, but rowdies who ruin nights out for everyone else will soon find themselves on a public list of shame and banned from all of the towns pubs.

But who would have thought such a scheme would be needed in a town like Ilkley?

Our town can be plagued by ruffians who seem to get their enjoyment from vandalising property, shouting abuse and causing fights, and thus intimidating innocent revellers out for a few drinks.

And it would seem that people intent on causing trouble are not fussy which towns, villages or cities they go to for their night time antics. But now its time they moved on and left us in peace.

An evening in the pub can be a great night out - quality beer, interesting conversation, good friends and comfortable surroundings - and why should we let others ruin it for us?

Ilkley has had to put up with undesirables from neighbouring the towns where similar schemes have been up and running for a while, and now it seems we could soon be rid of them.

These agitators will find themselves publicly humiliated and ostracised from every watering hole involved in the scheme and will have to find another town to annoy.

This should leave residents and visitors confident and safe in the knowledge they are free to enjoy a night out without it being spoilt by selfish hooligans.

And lets hope the town pulls together on this one, with pubs, bars and restaurants joining forces, so the project can be extended into Addingham and other areas and ensure that law abiding residents throughout Ilkley can have a fun and peaceful night out.

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