CUSTOMERS who cause trouble in Winsford stores will be shopped to other retailers and banned from their premises.

Troublemakers of any age will be banned from all stores involved in the Shop Watch scheme regardless of which shop they have been directing their anti-social behaviour towards.

Shop Watch officer Robin Curry said: "This is a simple system with real teeth.

"It is run on the same lines as Pub Watch and the recent Travel Safe scheme also launched in Winsford in that it uses the eyes and ears of the business community to help identify people causing problems.

"The purpose of the scheme is to send out a clear message to problem customers that they must behave.

"It should also go a long way towards reassuring law abiding shoppers that they are entering a town centre committed to cutting not only crime but also anti-social behaviour."

The scheme is being coordinated by Vale Royal Community Safety Partnership and Cheshire Police and anyone who does not comply with the terms of a ban may be issued with an anti-social behaviour order.

Members of the Shop Watch group will hold monthly meetings to discuss any individual problems and deal with them appropriately.

Robin said: "Police officers and council staff will also be involved in the meetings.

"Their knowledge of individuals will prove vital in the banning decision process."

Paul Williams, town centre store manager and Shop Watch chairman, said: "We are committed to providing our customers and staff with a safe environment to shop in. The scheme highlights our commitment and sends a clear message to problem customers that they can't get away with making people's lives a misery."