Telford police to expand nightclub operations

A series of police operations will be launched across nightclubs in Telford in a crackdown on booze-fuelled crime, a police inspector said today.

Inspector Keith Gee said the first operation, outside the Vox bar and Club Crush in Telford Town Centre's Central Square on Friday night, had halted trouble which had been happening in recent months.

It was launched after drunken clubbers were getting into brawls and causing trouble after leaving the club.

Revellers were also causing a nuisance for people living in the surrounding areas.

Mr Gee, for Local Policing for Central Telford, said operations would now continue at other clubs in Wellington and Oakengates.

He said one fixed penalty notice was issued on Friday for urinating in the street and a number of taxi drivers were warned for failing to comply with their licence conditions.

Suspended

One taxi driver was suspended on the night for breach of conditions.

A number of uniformed officers were on duty in the town centre area and worked with door staff and club managers .

Mr Gee said: "The operation was a huge success. We didn't need to make any arrests and there was a great atmosphere.

"It was a joint operation with club managers and door staff which was very much worthwhile.

"We also received positive feedback from the clubbers themselves. People welcomed us and said it made them feel safe.

"There was no disorder so that's got to be a good thing."

Mr Gee said it was the first operation of its kind but due to its success further nights would be planned.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman