Richmond's police chief has hailed this summer's blitz on the riverside as a success.

Superintendent Tim Jacksonsaid he was "satisfied but not complacent" about the ongoing operation.

He said: "In 1996 there were outbreaks of disorder and last year there were serious assaults, open displays of underage drinking, drug taking and further public disturbances."

Richmond police launched a plan which means that everyone arrested for public disorder offences near pubs on the riverside is taken to court.

Supt Jackson described it as a "positive approach" with the co-operation of the Crown Prosecution Service and Richmond Magistrates Court.

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