WORK to restore Richmond's image after reports describing it as becoming a no-go' area because of the binge drinking' culture, has been taking place this week.

Pub landlords vowed to work pro-actively on the issue at an emergency meeting last week and plan to work on a code of conduct which they can all follow.

Yesterday (Thursday) Richmond Council leader Tony Arbour called on the Met Police deputy commissioner to confirm that he has never described Richmond as a no-go' area, as reported in a newspaper.

Following discussions with Cllr Arbour, Sir Ian Blair was due to make the comments at a full meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority.

Cllr Arbour said: "He is going to say that he did not mention Richmond at all and certainly did describe Richmond as a no-go' area. I have also asked him to confirm that Richmond is the safest borough in London.

"This issue has two prongs, as while those comments are quite unacceptable, for them to be attributed to a senior police officer is very damaging."

Concerning the emergency meeting of Richmond's Pubwatch members, Richmond town centre manager Karen Pengelly said: "It was a very positive meeting. I am working with Matt Nicol, the Pubwatch chair, to produce a code of conduct and approach large brewers to discuss their promotions of discount drinks.

"All the landlords agreed that they needed to be seen to take a pro-active approach and do something quite strong on this issue."

The meeting was attended by 35 of the town's publicans.