Winchester MP Mark Oaten is to meet pub bosses to discuss his growing concerns about alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour.

Mr Oaten will next month hold a private meeting with representatives of the anti-crime PubWatch scheme.

It follows the publication of his ten-point plan to tackle crime in the city centre which was sparked by the vandalism of 70 cars in the College Street and Wharf Hill area last month.

Mr Oaten had favoured liberalised licensing hours but is worried that instead of civilising behaviour, by ending the pressure at drinking-up time, it is merely increasing binge drinking.

Speaking about the work of PubWatch, its chairman Louise Akers said: "Licensees are very aware of the issues pointed out in the recent announcement from Mark Oaten. The most important thing is that there is a mutual understanding of responsibilities and that we all work together to minimise drink-related antisocial behaviour.

"PubWatch members have approached Mark Oaten to ask that we can meet to discuss some of the issues he points out in his latest press statement and he has agreed this is a good idea," said Ms Akers who runs the Slug and Lettuce in The Square.

Many pubs have been working with the Winchester City Centre Partnership, covering a range of topics from crime and antisocial behaviour to business performance and employment practice.

Pubwatch is operating a "banned from one, banned from all" policy to deter yobs.

The police have stepped up the number of officers patrolling the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

A campaign called Silent Students Happy Homes, in partnership with University College Winchester, encourages students to adopt a responsible attitude towards local residents.

There was a 40 per cent reduction in retail theft in the first half of the year.