NOISY late-night drink-ers are being targeted in a new poster campaign launched by pubs and nightclubs in Southampton.

The ground-breaking move comes as the city explores the possibility of having a continental-style quarter with 24-hour cafes, bars and entertainment.

Politicians have identified Guildhall Square - which is away from residential homes - as an ideal round-the-clock venue.

Meanwhile, the Academy nightclub in the Polygon has grasped the nettle following repeated complaints about rowdy, drunken students.

It has produced posters bearing the message Increase the Peace to heighten the importance of being a considerate neighbour. Dave French, assistant manager of the Academy, said he hoped the posters would help remind drinkers to be more considerate.

The campaign has been backed by nine other pubs in the Polygon and also by Hampshire police.

Mr French said: "We have had a very good response so far from everyone and we have delivered the posters to all the student houses in the Polygon.

"It's about everyone clubbing together to try and sort out the problems there are here."

"We hope that residents will see that we are acknowledging the problems and trying to do something about it."

Staff from the pubs and clubs involved in the scheme will award prizes every week to any students they spot having the posters in their windows.

Academy bosses were granted a new 12-month licence in September on condition they keep trying to overcome the problems.

Barbara Baker, vice-chairman of the Polygon Community Action Forum, said: "We all need to work together and this is a good thing they're doing.

"The majority of students are fine but they are let down by a bad minority."

Inspector Keith Morant, based at Southampton central police station, said: "I think it's a very good idea.

"While people should enjoy themselves when they go out, they should remember that others are tucked up in bed."

The bold proposal for a 24-hour quarter has been unveiled by the city council's Conservative group.

It will form the mainstay of the Tories new policy for turning Southampton into a vital, vibrant place to live, work and play.

Guildhall Square and the surrounding vacant premises - Tyrrell & Green, C & A and other shop units - would be the ideal venue, says Tory group leader Councillor David Abraham.

He added: "We need to create an area that is attractive, safe and clean. It should include cafs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

"We say we want to be a fine European city - they don't close down at 11 o'clock in the evening and nor should we.''

By stating where the quarter should be, the city council can manage the situation and developers will know where they can open all hours.

"This will stop a situation occurring whereby applications are received for sites all over the city. By confining the 24-hour quarter to a defined area, it will be much more manageable," said Mr Abraham.

Proprietor of the city bar and brasserie, 42 THS, Lee Whitby Bonnici said she was all in favour of a designated zone.

"The clustering of bars and restaurants is a fabulous idea that really works and all the businesses benefit.''

* Do you agree there should be a 24-hour quarter? Where should that be and what should be included in the fun zone? Call Kate Thompson on 023 8042 4522.