BINGE drinking and irresponsible promotions are being targeted in an attempt to stem the rise in drink-fuelled violent crime in Middlesbrough.

A charter is being drawn up between the council and the licensing trade to curb the problem that creates trouble on the streets at weekends.

The Mayor of Middlesbrough Ray Mallon has already held a summit with representatives from the major bar and club owners, off-licence shops, supermarkets and members of the Licensed Victuallers' Association (LVA) to work out the finer points of the charter.

Speaking about the rise of violent crime, Mr Mallon said yesterday: "I believe binge drinking is at the root of the problem and along with our partners we are determined to intervene to tackle this."

Town centre pubs already operate a voluntary minimum price of £1.50 a drink and have banned happy hours, but now Middlesbrough Council is hoping to take the idea one step further.

In an attempt to break the drinking-circuit culture, it is considering banning fly posting for pubs and clubs and outlawing free drinks offers.

Ed Chicken, head of community safety at the council, said: "There has been a whole host of these sorts of measures that have been included in the proposed charter. The local authority takes over the responsibility of licensing next year and we expect a responsible reaction from the licensing trade."

Middlesbrough crime manager Detective Superintendent Stewart Swinson said: "Middlesbrough police is one of a number of pilots nationally that is looking at the connection between alcohol and violent behaviour, and we are actually looking at positive initiatives aimed at breaking that connection."

Jim Sugget, of Annie's Bar, in Linthorpe Road, and a trustee of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers, welcomed the initial proposals.

He said: "It's a very good idea for the whole of Middlesbrough and I think it shows the town is going forward in handling the issues.

"We all came away from the meeting with the proposals for the 12-point charter so we could have a look at them, and they seem very reasonable and responsible.

"We have got to get together on this, we are not working against each other, so we should get the best result for everyone."