'Hard work making Rotherham safer'

That was the verdict from Chamber of Commerce after figures revealed at a Licence Watch meeting showed that reported incidents of violent crime from October 2009 to March this year were down by 41 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year.

Brij Chaggar, business development manager of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said that the reduction was down to partnership work including a ban on “silly price drinks promotions” and co-operation with the police.

He said: “We don't believe that drink promotions attract new customers. We feel that visitors have different priorities including entertainment, different musical treats and safety.

“Our voluntary code of conduct and minimum pricing policy has meant that Rotherham town centre is not simply known as a venue for so called lager louts.

“Furthermore, pubs and clubs do not offer any silly price promotions or any silly drinking games.

“The licensees know that people want to come into the town centre to have a good time and you don't necessarily have to have offer gimmicks to do that.”

Mr Chaggar said that the recent controversial Mid-Summer Christmas event was an example of the work being put into offering people a fun and safe night out in Rotherham.

He said: “Some people did not necessarily agree with the recent mid-summer Christmas but it put Rotherham on the map."

There was not one incident reported over that weekend.”

Mr Chaggar also said that a strong relationship with the police had played a lead role in the drop in crime.

He said: “Licensees work really well with the police and licensing officer Pc Dave Thompson.

“Dave is easily accessible by every licensee, works tirelessly to promote town centre safety and is as keen as anyone to make the town centre buzz with people who want to enjoy a great night out in safety.

“The police are keen to pass on the message that it's not a ‘them and us’ situation and everyone needs to work together to achieve our goals.

“The police have always been fair but firm and the licensees respect them for it.”

Trained door staff, the introduction of plastic glasses and a pro-active Licence Watch Group, which was set up in the town in 2007, were also highlighted as factors in the drop along with significant investment in re-vamping a number of venues.

Mr Chaggar added: “Businesses are only doing that because they respect what the town centre is trying to achieve in line with the Renaissance programme.”