Five banned from football grounds

The police hope to ultimately reduce their presence at games

Five football hooligans have been banned from Nottinghamshire's three main clubs under a pioneering new scheme to tackle violence.

The Pact (Police And Clubs Together Against Violence) project was launched earlier this year by Nottinghamshire Police, together with Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town football clubs.

Deputy Chief Constable Howard Roberts says it has been a great success and could now be enforced across the country.

Under the initiative, individuals banned from attending home matches at one club are automatically banned from the grounds of all the participating clubs.

'Reclaim football'

The clubs are now banning four individuals from attending home games for three years and one for two years.

Letters will be delivered informing them of the reason for the ban.

Mr Roberts said: "Our work to reclaim football for true fans and ensure stadiums are a trouble-free and safe environment for all has started.

There is a strong possibility that the scheme will go national

Deputy Chief Constable Howard Roberts

"This will undoubtedly allow us, as the scheme develops even more, to prevent the problem of football violence, which, in turn, will steadily reduce the number of officers required to police matches."

Pact has just been awarded £150,000 by the Home Office to market the scheme nationally.

The money will be used to recruit a dedicated inspector to promote the project and administer it locally, and two police constables to act as evidence gatherers.

Mr Roberts said: "Ultimately, there is a strong possibility that the scheme will go national so a ban from one club will mean a ban from every club in England and Wales."