THREE of Witney's popular drinking venues have pledged to use polycarbonate glasses.

Izi's, the Palace, and Norton's have all made the switch voluntarily.

They are all signed up to Nightsafe, a pub watch scheme aiming to cut alcohol-related crime and disorder, which has more than 60 licensed premises on its books in West Oxfordshire.

Polycarbonate glasses are virtually unbreakable, do not fragment like glass, and are recyclable at lower temperatures than most other plastics.

The switch to them is being encouraged by the district's Community Safety Partnership, linking the police, local councils, and other agencies.

Jill Dunsmore, district council cabinet member for communities, said: "There have been a few incidents in Witney town centre where glasses and bottles have been used as weapons, so the move over to polycarbonates is great news, especially as it isn't a condition of the licences in West Oxfordshire.

"We hope other licensees are encouraged to follow suit, as it improves health and safety not only for customers, but also staff."

Bridget Hartless, owner of Izi's, in Market Square, which is making a phased transition to the new glasses, said: "The main reason we are doing it is health and safety."

Tony Cope, Thames Valley Police's licensing officer for Oxfordshire, said Izi's, the Palace, and Norton's were taking responsibility for their customers.

He added: "We have the power to force licensed premises to use polycarbonates, and have done so elsewhere in the county.

"But we really want to work in partnership with licensees to make this change, and this move means Witney is leading the way."

Source: Witney Gazette.