ALTRINCHAM bars and clubs are working together with police and the local authorities to launch a new scheme aimed at making night life in the area safer.

Best Bar None is a Home Office backed initiative that encourages everyone to work together towards a safer night time and reduce alcohol-related crime in the area.

The scheme first launched in Bolton and since this time the town has seen a 32 per cent reduction in crime.

Seventeen businesses from the area have gained official accreditation and there were 92 incidents of violent crime reported in licensed premises, compared with 137 for the same time period in 2016.

Altrincham has now introduced to the scheme with businesses and licensees invited to learn about the scheme at a launch event at Traders Tiki Bar yesterday.

Some of the businesses that attended were The Cellar, Cheshire Tap and The Roebuck.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts from GMP said: “I’m delighted that it is now being brought to Altrincham and look forward to hearing about developments in the area. It’s crucial that venues, licensees, security firms, taxi drivers and anyone else involved in the night time economy continue to work with us and each other to create safe places for everyone.”

Once a business signs up and they have met the criteria, owners and staff are invited to an awards evening to recognise the work that they have done to develop their premises into safer places for people to enjoy a night out.

Mick McDonnell, national co-ordinator for Best Bar None said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be back in Best Bar None’s ancestral home to launch a second Best Bar None scheme.

“Championed by the Altrincham Business Improvement District (BID), supported by the police and the local authority, I hope this scheme will emulate the positive partnership working already seen in Bolton.

“With the success already evidenced by Bolton and the enthusiasm of all concerned in Altrincham, I hope we can encourage more and more areas of Greater Manchester to get involved.”

Councillor David Hopps, executive member for Trafford Council said: “The council is fully behind this initiative and are happy to work alongside the police and the trade in working to raise standards and improve the safety and enjoyment of people visiting Altrincham.”