Braintree nightclubs have welcomed a new scheme which aims to crack down on violent and poorly-trained bouncers.

Under the scheme all door staff working at pubs and clubs in the district will have to undergo rigorous training in drugs awareness, conflict management and restraint skills.

Police checks will also be carried out to weed out staff who may have a criminal record for violent offences. Licensee at Flack's in Braintree High Street, Paul O'Grady, pledged his support for the Braintree District Council scheme.

"It's good for clubs to know that they haven't got criminals working on the door and that their door staff are properly trained with first aid skills," he said.

"I think most clubs are quite good, but you can get a problem if they are too aggressive with customers."

Flacks is co-operating with the council to get the scheme into operation, he added.

Council licensing officer, Heather Hurcomb, said Snow's nightclub in Great Square and the Birdbrook Tavern had also given their backing.

Public entertainment licences will only be granted to premises in future if they have agreed to have all their door staff registered. Mrs Hurcomb said trials in other parts of the country had reduced violent incidents.

"It is progress towards a more professional approach to what is often a difficult job, with an increase in staff accountability and public safety," she said.

Braintree Police also support the scheme.

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