WITH rugby’s Six Nations championship due to kick off next weekend, a number of initiatives will be launched to combat alcohol-related violence and disorder in Caerphilly county.

Volunteer street pastors will be on the streets of Risca and Blackwood on match days, offering care and support to revellers as well as promoting personal safety and advice on avoiding being the victim of crime.

Caerphilly council and Gwent Police will also work together, with all licensees contacted ahead of the first match on February 4 and reminded of their role in serving alcohol responsibly.

They will also be encouraged to check their CCTV systems are working correctly.

And police and trading standards will visit premises during the tournament to make sure door staff are properly accredited and they are safe and adhering to licence conditions.

Cllr Rob Gough, cabinet m ember for public protection said: “With a traditional increase in alcohol consumption over this period, tempers can occasionally flare.”

The council’s community safety wardens will be working with police to deter trouble in towns, while its CCTV operators will be monitoring any incidents of disorder.