Super strength booze is off the menu at off-licences in Hounslow after they pledged not to sell cheap, high-alcohol beer and cider.

More than 15 shopkeepers across the borough have made the commitment as part of a drive by the council and police to tackle booze-fuelled antisocial behaviour and crime.

They agreed to amend the terms of their licences at a special conference at Hounslow Civic Centre last week to prohibit the sale of cheap beer, lager and cider over six per cent ABV, excluding premium brands.

The council now wants more shopkeepers to sign up to the agreement, which will come into effect from January 1 next year.

Councillor Richard Foote, cabinet member for community protection, said: "The off-licences that have signed up to our scheme have shown fantastic community spirit and that they are progressive, enlightened businesses.

“Cheap, super strength beer, lager and cider often fuels anti-social behaviour, damages the health of thousands of people and costs millions of taxpayers' pounds every year."

Chief Inspector Rob Weir, of Hounslow Police, said: "I'm heartened by the retailers and partners coming together to take a stand against super strength alcohol which can seriously harm problem drinkers.

"We want to reduce the number of street drinkers in the borough and by curbing the sale of super strength lager we believe this will make people feel safer on the streets in Hounslow."

A borough-wide controlled drinking zone was introduced in Hounslow last year, giving police the power to confiscate alcohol from nuisance drinkers.

* If you’re a Hounslow borough resident and are concerned about your or someone else's drinking, you can call the iHEAR Partnership on 020 8538 1150 for more information

* Licensees wishing to sign up to the pledge on super strength booze should call 020 8583 5146