A PUB landlord from Burnham who has helped to reduce crime in the town centre by 70 per cent has been honoured as a local hero. Keith Holman, who has transformed the Pubwatch Scheme since he took over four and a half years ago, has been given a Respect Aw

A PUB landlord from Burnham who has helped to reduce crime in the town centre by 70 per cent has been honoured as a local hero.Keith Holman, who has transformed the Pubwatch Scheme since he took over four and a half years ago, has been given a Respect Award for taking a stand and tackling antisocial behaviour in the community.Respect is a Government initiative which has been set up to tackle antisocial behaviour and award those who take a stand against it in their communities.Mr Holman, aged 51, owns The Lighthouse in Highbridge Road and has led the fight against violence and crime in the town centre's pubs and clubs by working with landlords and the police.PC Dominic Bryant, beat manager for Burnham town centre, said: "What he's done is fantastic. We've got 80 people on permanent bans throughout Burnham. All the offenders are now known and kept out of the town, which leaves regulars enjoying their night out. He absolutely deserves the award."Pubwatch was set up in Burnham more than eight years ago, but Mr Holman breathed new life into the initiative by introducing different categories of bans depending on the severity of the crime.Any pub or club-goers causing trouble can be banned for one-three years or for life. When the person reaches the end of their ban they are subject to a review to ensure they will not re-offend.Mr Holman said: "I may have got the award but I couldn't do it without the rest of the members.