ANGRY publicans in Watchet have hit back after police said a new Pub Watch scheme in the town isn't working.

The scheme, set up two weeks before Christmas, was designed to crack down on violent and disruptive troublemakers ahead of the festive season.

But police said this week there had been three calls to assaults over the Christmas period, and they were concerned for the safety of local residents.

The comments came as West Somerset magistrates refused Richard Booz, publican at The Anchor, Watchet, permission to stay open late on four saints' days after allegations of fights and disturbances in the area.

Sgt Neil Dillon criticised Watchet Pub Watch for having no proper organisation. He said: "If we have a period of time when things go well we could look again at the requests."

An incredulous John Emmett, the landlord of the London Inn, Market Street, said: "The scheme has worked from day one.

For the full story, see the West Somerset edition of this week's Somerset County Gazette.