A NIGHTCLUB boss is building links with the community by sponsoring a neighbourhood watch scheme.
The Winchester in Bournemouth is supporting the Poole Hill Neighbourhood Watch group and is working with co-ordinator Norman Decent.
Mark Berry, manager of the arts and entertainment venue, has also bought a metal detector to scan visitors after a man was knifed at another club.
He said: “I hate the thought of us causing any disruption here so that’s why I want to do as much as I can with the neighbourhood watch.”
The venue on Poole Hill welcomes around 200 people on some nights for live music, dance music and theatre performances.
Mark said he decided to invest in the metal detector after hearing about Ben Selby, 29, from Bournemouth, having his face slashed with a knife at the V Club in Exeter Road.
And he said he is excited about working with Norman.
“We want to let people know we’re receptive to feedback and want to make this sustainable in the community,” Mark added.
“That’s why it’s great to work with Norman.”
Norman has seen attendance at his meetings grow.
Dorset Police were no longer able to pay for the notices and flyers that he delivers so he had to start funding those himself until securing this new sponsorship.
Norman said: “The sponsorship will help us step up another level and I think this is beneficial for both of us.
“It’s all about promoting the safety of the community.”
