Winchester police are to launch a two-weekend campaign against booze-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

Officers will clamp down on drunken yobs together with pubs, clubs and off-licences which sell alcohol irresponsibly.

Supt Bob Rose of North Walls police, said: "We are committed to making Winchester a safer place to live, work and visit and we recognise that there has been some concern recently that the perception is that the city is becoming a no-go zone over the weekend evenings.

"We want to make sure people know that is not the case. We want people to enjoy their evening out in Winchester but we also want those who commit crime to know that they will not get away with it."

The campaign will begin on Thursday.

There are several initiatives planned, including test alcohol purchase operations in conjunction with trading standards, more fixed penalty notices and more officers on the streets.

Supt Rose added: "This may be a two weekend crackdown, but the work will be ongoing.

"We must not forget that compared to other areas of the county and indeed the country, Winchester is a safe place to live.

"This campaign is designed to make offenders aware that their cards are marked. We will catch you and we will take action against you."

City councillor Brian Collin, portfolio holder for community safety, said:

"We want the city centre to be a place where people can have a good night out and get home safely afterwards. What we don't want is disorder on the streets and damage to property caused by a tiny minority, which is why we are pleased to be part of this initiative."

Senior Tory councillor George Hollingbery said: "This really is good news for those who are suffering noise, disruption and damage at the weekends in the city centre and I welcome some joint action by the police and city council.

"But let's be clear, a two-week crackdown really needs to be a year round crackdown because Winchester remains a soft touch for under age drinkers."