Pub and club managers in Bradford's busy West End could get photographs identifying people banned from licensed premises.

They would not be put on show for the public but would help staff to make sure troublemakers banned from pubs could not get access to licensed premises. And police revealed they may step up the number of applications they make to magistrates for the bans in a bid to create a safer city.

The moves follow the creation of the West End Pubwatch scheme supported by all the licensees in the area which has become a hub of the city's night life. The members hold regular meetings with police and were today praised by licensing inspector Michael Chippindale for their attitude.

He said courts had granted exclusion orders banning people from pubs and clubs in the city centre on 12 occasions in the past two years and he thought they could be made more use of.

"But Bradford is not a bad place and most people you see are out having a good time," he said.

"The West End pubwatch is very pro-police.

"We work together and they are aware of the issues including drugs and serving people who are drunk."

Gavin Richards, general manager of Livingstones in Glydegate, said: "We are interested in getting a photo system and have asked if it can be implemented. We are discussing it with the police.

"It is one thing knowing by word of mouth and association about the them. But any form of recognition for people operating front-door policies is obviously going to bring great benefits."

"Pubwatch started slowly and is now gaining momentum. People are beginning to see the benefits of communication."

Members are now connected to the city-centre beat radio link used by retailers, which enables the licensees to alert each other to potential problems.

They also have direct connections with the city-centre closed-circuit television control room.

Mr Richards added: "The licensees in the West End are working towards a nice environment and all the positives the licensed trade can bring."

Mr Richards admitted drinks promotions and cheap offers - blamed by Bradford West MP Marsha Singh for drunken violence - had increased.

But he said at the same time violence had reduced in the West End.