TROUBLEMAKERS who target the town's bars and clubs will be firmly in the sights of a relaunched pub watch project.

Almost 30 landlords have signed up to the initiative, which has not been active in the town since the mid-1990s.

Like before, the aim of the scheme will be to allow town centre pubs and clubs to keep one another informed about gangs of rowdy drinkers before they arrive on licensed premises.

From Monday, public drinking in the town centre will also prove costly for those tempted to open a can or bottle in the street.

An order is now in force, which could lead to offenders being fined £500 for consuming alcohol on the streets, after being given a warning by a police officer.

New bins have been installed, fitted with signs warning people of the fines threat.

Clr Brian Maher, chairman of Warrington Borough Council's licensing committee, said: "Pub watch is a major step forward in making our pubs and clubs more pleasant and safer environments.

"The on-street drinking ban will help us to address the current problem of people drinking on the streets and will increase police powers to deal with it."

The previous pub watch scheme fell into disuse when a number of prominent members moved out of the area.