POLICE and partners officially launched "Team Worcester" yesterday (Tuesday) at an event at the University of Worcester.

Team Worcester is a new partnership initiative which brings together different parts of the public sector as well as the business, community and voluntary sectors that all have the same approach - keeping Worcester as a safe, clean, vibrant and prosperous place to live and work.

Team Worcester will be a coordinated partnership effort to collectively reduce crime and anti-social behaviour along with environmental problems in and around the city.

Partners include West Mercia Police, Safer Worcester, Worcester City Council (including enforcement officers and street cleaning) University of Worcester, Worcester Bid, street pastors, St Paul's Hospice and the Nightsafe Pubwatch scheme.

Some examples of the collaboration include taking action against night time related disorder. Police are working with city centre licensees signed up to the Nightsafe Pubwatch scheme. Anyone causing alcohol related disorder in pubs and clubs or on the street outside will be automatically banned from all other venues signed up to the scheme.

There has been an increase in patrols involving civil enforcement officers and because of this, police have been able to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug misuse in St.Martin's Gate car park.

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester opened the launch event and spoke of the university being fully integrated into the compact but lively city of Worcester and how they are looking forward to working in partnership with Team Worcester.

Ruth Mullen, Corporate Director for Worcester City Council described Worcester as a vibrant city with a great future. She spoke of Team Worcester being a vital part of achieving nationally recognised accreditation including 'Clean City' status and in the top 50 best places to live by The Sunday Times.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, South Worcestershire Policing Commander said: "Team Worcester will be collaborative partnership working at its very best; it will improve the delivery of services to and the quality of life for people living and working in the city centre."