A newanti-crime network will see criminals banned from shops, pubs and taxis in Eastbourne.

The first meeting to discuss the project is at the International Lawn Tennis Centre in Devonshire Park on Wednesday.

Traders will pay a £34 monthly subscription to back the venture set up by police, the council and the Town Centre Management Initiative as an upgrade of Shopwatch, which operates only in the town centre.

Under the scheme, extra support will be offered to firms, including the appointment of a business crime manager. A radio link-up will be extended to all traders in Eastbourne and Sussex Police will share pictures of known offenders with members.

Intelligence on criminal activity will be exchanged and in addition, members will join an exclusion notice scheme enabling them to ban offenders from members' premises.

Training on conflict management and security advice will also be given and regular newsletters distributed.

Chief Inspector Martin Stevens, borough commander, said: "Eastbourne enjoys a more fortunate crime record than many other places in Sussex.

"However, it only takes one crime to affect one business, its staff and their families.

"Eastbourne is a community and if the community pulls together, we can minimise the opportunity for crime even further."

The new network will be overseen by an elected board with a written constitution and run by a steering group and board of management.

Business people in Eastbourne are being urged to get involved and drive the scheme forward.

Steering group chairman Bill Plumridge, the manager of the Arndale Centre, said: "This is great news for all retailers and traders, whatever their size or location, across the whole town.

"It puts the right tools in the hands of the businesses to enable them to work together to ensure Eastbourne continues to be a thriving place."

Councillor Bert Leggett, cabinet spokesman for community safety, said: "Businesses across the borough are being offered a great opportunity to help each other.

"By investing in this scheme, they will be investing in greater security for their business, their staff and their customers."

The meeting on Wednesday starts at 6pm.