Kettering town centre will see the introduction of metal detectors and ultra violet lights in pubs to check if customers are carrying weapons or drugs.

A new scheme will see door supervisors use the equipment to screen customers for six months to test how effective it is.

The metal detection equipment will enable door staff to spot weapons, while the UV lights can be used to identify people who may have been handling certain drugs.  The UV lights will also help to identify fake IDs being used by underage people.

If the project is successful it is hoped more funding will be offered  to supply  equipment to all pubs and clubs in the town centre.

Some of the funding for the project has come from two local councillors, Keli Watts and David Bishop.

Councillor Watts said: ‘We feel everyone should feel safe and protected when they go into pubs.’

The manager of The Peacock and chairman of Kettering Pubwatch, said: ‘We are constantly working with the council and police to improve the night time environment for visitors to the town centre and our customers.

Councillor Alan Pote said: ‘This is an innovation in so far as it will, hopefully, indicate to revellers that anti social behaviour through alcohol abuse, will not be tolerated. ‘

He added: ‘It is to be hoped that these measures will make people think twice before embarking on anti social actions.’

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