NIGHTCLUB bouncers are resorting to using handcuffs to clamp down on late night troublemakers.

Door staff in Weymouth are equipping themselves with the cuffs as it emerges that the dedicated town centre police team which patrols on foot on weekend nights has been axed.

Nightclub owner and security company boss Steve Parker has trained staff to use the cuffs – but stressed that they are there as a last resort to detain people until police arrive.

He said: “I have taken steps and had training given to a select amount of my door staff so they are fully trained in the use and application of handcuffs and we will use them in only when a situation needs.

“With the disbanding of the town centre team and them being moved to a response unit I can only see an increase in door staff executing the use of lawful detention.”

Police have been informed about bouncers having the handcuffs and officers confirmed that using them is legal when used as a citizens’ arrest.

Mr Parker’s company United Doors Ltd provides door staff to eight premises in Weymouth including two fast food outlets.

They include La Dolce Vita, the Golden Lion, the Lazy Lizard, Dusk, Aura, the Surfside Diner takeaway and McDonalds, and Mr Parker’s club The Dorothy Inn.

His staff are not carrying handcuffs on the doors of Dusk or Aura on the request of the owners.

The town centre police team patrolled for the last time last weekend.

The team – also known by licensees as the town centre police squad – consisted of a sergeant and two police constables walking around the town centre and speaking to revellers.

Mr Parker said: “They’ve been tremendous and breaking up a team like that is disgusting. It’s a step back in public safety.”

Police say the town centre team have been operating in addition to a constant town centre presence which will remain.

But nightclub owners said having the same officers on patrol when the team operated every three weekends out of four meant they built up an effective relationship.

Keith Treggiden, owner of the Rendezvous, said: “The town centre squad stopped trouble before it could happen. We’re now going to see more violence on the streets.”

Pat Slade, landlady at the Black Dog in St Mary Street, added: “They prevented trouble when there was a situation arising. They will be greatly missed.”

Brett Dunster, general manager of Dusk, said “It’s a crying shame because of the relationship they have formed with the licensees.”

Mr Dunster said PC Mike McCabe’s work had been monumental in improvements in the town centre.

The police confirmed PC McCabe’s work as licensing and enforcement officer would continue as part of Operation Protect.

Officers who were part of the dedicated town centre team will now be integrated into the regular shift patterns of their colleagues.

A Dorset Police spokesman said officers will still patrol the town centre on foot on Friday and Saturday nights.

He said: “We are looking to streamline and be as efficient as we can to save taxpayers’ money and provide the best service we can to the people of Weymouth and Portland.

“We are committed to providing foot patrols in Weymouth town centre at the core times.”

He added: “The policing of the night time economy and wider community in Weymouth and Portland is a priority for Dorset Police.

“We can confirm that a review of police officers’ shifts has taken place across the force to ensure that there will be sufficient resources available to meet the demands of the public and provide an effective service.”

Police squad axed: view from Weymouth

Landlord of The Golden Lion pub in Weymouth, Lawrence Hulbert, 50, said: “I’ve operated pubs all over the country and Weymouth should be a role model for how the police and pubs, including landlords and bouncers, operate together.

“Certain characters in drink unfortunately warrant this behaviour so I am pleased the bouncers have been granted this right.”

Danni Sims, 25, is a donkey handler on Weymouth beach. She said: “Unfortunately, people won’t take as much notice of bouncers as they do of police. Using handcuffs is not what bouncers are qualified for.”

Retired civil servant Dennis Wood, 69, from Weymouth said: “Giving bouncers the use of handcuffs is very wrong.

With plastic handcuffs it may be acceptable but with metal is damaging to the skin. To be honest, I thought metal handcuffs were gone years ago.”