BAR owners on Bridge Street have hit back over the reputation of Warrington town centre and say they are doing ‘everything they can’ to change its image.

Licence reviews at supposedly problematic venues Fusion, Voodoo and Shenanigans have added to the frustration of businesses who feel they are getting it right.

James Maguire and Jimmy Bannister own cocktail and hot dog bar Dead Eyes.

The duo are convinced their approach of signature drinks in a relaxed atmosphere is one way to change the pound-a-shot drinking culture associated with the town centre.

James said: “You get people who haven’t been into town for three years who think it’s going to be like the Wild West but we’re trying to make it a nicer place.

“There’s no reason with what we, and other bars are doing, that Bridge Street can not be like Stockton Heath and the Cultural Quarter.

“We get people in on dates, and an older crowd at the weekend who want to enjoy a nice cocktail and don’t mind paying a bit more for it.

Helene Hartley is general manager at Reflex and Babylon.

She said: “I don’t see my business as somewhere to come just to buy a drink.

“I strive to make sure my guests have a good time.”

Keith Edmonds owns Cromwells, where he says the focus is on a friendly pub environment to watch sports matches.

He admits that several years ago, Bridge Street deserved its rowdy reputation, but he says that has changed.

Owners attend regular Pubwatch meetings to discuss issues and ways to improve.

Challenge 21 is enforced with staff trained regularly.

Keith said: “The biggest thing we want to get across is we’re behind what the council and police are doing.

“Six years ago there was a blanket type of bar on Bridge Street but that has changed.”

Jimmy believes many arrests in the town centre result from some bars acting responsibly.

“Often the issues is someone who has had too much to drink is turned away,” he said.

“We just want people to come and give us a try to see how we’re trying to change things.”