Pub staff in warning to drink spikers

The youth hub can be accessed by calling: 01706 646471 or emailing: jobsandskills@rochdale.gov. uk. People can also get in touch by messaging the Get Rochdale Working facebook group at: facebook.com/groups/getrochdaleworking Face to face appointments for the youth hub are available at Rochdale Training in Fishwick Street, but they need to be booked in advance, although the team will be launching a drop in service soon.

STAFF at a Middleton pub have warned anyone caught spiking drinks “will get battered”.

The warning can be seen on a light up display at the Crown Inn on Rochdale Road.

Landlord Kallum Nolan said he hopes the new addition, as well as providing glass covers, will help make customers feel safe.

Speaking to the Observer, he said: “I think we live in a very strange world at the moment.

“In the wake of the rise in spiking - also on the backdrop of the Sarah Everard tragedy - the impetus has to be on us blokes to make women feel safe.

“The Crown is predominantly a football pub, it’s the home of Middleton’s United Supporters Club, etc. But since we took over in August, we’ve had a young crowd and a great weekend vibe - so it’s important that everyone feels safe and welcome in our boozer.

“Yes, it’s a ‘blokey’ pub, but it’s full of blokes that will protect women - and that’s the message we’ve tried to convey with our sign and free drinks protectors.

“All pubs and clubs should be striving to make women feel safe and that’s all we’re trying to do at The Crown.”

It comes after young women around Fallowfield and the Manchester city centre reported falling ill following a night out.

An investigation was launched after three women fell ill at the Ark nightclub on Deansgate Locks in September.