IF the pubs and surrounding streets of Craven seem a little quieter than they used to, then it is time to pay tribute to the Stand initiative, and the licensees, their staff and the police who make it work.

The Stand campaign started as the Skipton Town Against Night-time Disorder but when it was rolled out across the district it had to endure a change of name to Stopping Trouble And Night-time Disorder. The title might be somewhat less snappy, but the critical part is the effect.

Youngsters today know what to "go on Stand" means and very unpleasant for them it is too.

To "go on Stand" means your name goes up in every licensed premises and you are refused drinks. Not just in the odd pub but across the district. Of course, miscreants will always try a way to get round the ban, but being caught in a pub extends the "sentence" by a year. This can have a devastating effect on the social life of today's youngsters, who must watch from the sidelines as their peers enjoy a night out.

Stand is three years old and has been cited by the police as a major factor behind the drop in crimes of violence and disorder in pubs and on the street. We hear tales of banned troublemakers begging to have their sentence cut because their social life is ended.

So, as the Stand campaign marks its third year, we hail its success and trust it will be around for a long time to come.