POLICE are stepping up patrols around a city centre's pubs and clubs during the weekends leading up to Christmas, following the recent changes to the licensing laws.

Officers say they have noticed a marked increase in disorder in Durham City in the past few months, compared to the same time last year.

Much of the trouble has been concentrated in the North Road area, where most of the pubs and clubs now have licences extending into the early hours of the morning.

Officers say they expect the city centre to be especially busy on the next three Fridays and Saturdays, including Christmas Eve, and are preparing for people staying out longer in the pubs and clubs.

Sergeant Tim Robson, the area's substance misuse officer, said: "There is a genuine public concern about the problems associated with alcohol misuse, and a fear regarding the relaxation of licensing hours.

"Our intention with these extra patrols is to nip any problems in the bud and ensure a safe environment for people coming into Durham to enjoy its many bars and pubs."

Officers on the streets over the next three weekends are being instructed to take a tough line with anyone drunk and disorderly and act swiftly on any suspected breaches of the licensing laws.

Police from the city will be joined by colleagues from the substance misuse team and the force's road policing unit.

They will be in constant touch with the operators of the city centre CCTV system to spot potential trouble at an early stage and take appropriate action.

Early in each evening, officers will visit all licensed premises in the city and conduct high-visibility patrols. Later in the night, police resources will be concentrated on the busiest area, covering the Market Place down to North Road.