BUTLIN'S has formed a new partnership with local police to help crack down on alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour during the holiday resort's specialist weekends.

The leisure giant has agreed to pay for extra police cover, while guests will be warned they stand to forfeit their entire holiday if they behave anti-socially in and around Minehead.

Local police inspector Lisa Simpson said the influx of visitors did not lead to an increase in crime but residents sometimes felt intimidated by large groups of visiting revellers and incidents of drunken behaviour.

She said the holiday centre's special weekends were known to bring in extra revenue for the town's bars and pubs and said the new partnership would cover the cost of policing the additional workload that came with it.

"I am very pleased to be working with Butlin's to ensure that Minehead is a safe, enjoyable and pleasant environment for both residents and visitors alike," she said.

"This new scheme requires us all to work together – the police, Butlin's, the town's licensed premises and the local community. We all have a part to play.

"We will continue to work with our licensees to ensure that they are operating responsibly and, almost without exception, this is the case.

"I encourage the public to contact the police and report any incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"We are absolutely committed to tackling all types of anti-social behaviour and we will not tolerate it."

Mrs Simpson said officers were well aware tourism was vital for the local economy and the vast majority of the visitors were well-behaved.

"The additional visitors are very welcome but we will deal robustly with the minority whose behaviour is unacceptable and detrimental to residents and other visitors," she said.

Butlin's will also be warning guests of the consequences of any anti-social behaviour before they leave the site.

Those who behave unacceptably will be escorted back to the site by police and will be asked to vacate their accommodation and leave the resort.

They will forfeit their holiday - and the money they paid for it.

Julian Highfield, site director at Butlin's, said: "We are pleased to be working with the police and the local community in tackling anti-social behaviour.

"We know many guests enjoy spending time in Minehead and the surrounding area during their Butlin's break.

"It's in the interests of our guests, as well as our town, to ensure any anti-social behaviour is dealt with swiftly."

Anyone who witnesses or is the victim of anti-social behaviour should contact the police on the 101 number unless the incident is "in progress" and deemed to be a 999 emergency.