A radical action plan to tackle long-running problems in the heart of Norwich's clubbing district, including Prince of Wales Road and Riverside, has been approved by city council chiefs.

The new plan, which comprises 12 key measures, including experimental road closures, extra CCTV cameras, taxi marshals, and new toilets, was drawn up by council officers and police as part of a bid to cut alcohol-fuelled violence in the heart of the city and help make it safer.

It follows work done over the past year, through which Norwich City Council and partner organisations identified a string of key issues, which they say need to be dealt with.

The plan went before Norwich City Council's cabinet last night when it was approved after being 'commended' to councillors by Mike Stonard, cabinet member for environment, development and transport.

He said: 'Norwich as an evening destination has a real buzz and energy about it and makes an important contribution to the Norwich economy.

'However, Norwich is experiencing some negative impacts of having a vibrant night-time economy.'

A minority of the 30,000 people who come to the city every night at weekends participated in alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.

But Mr Stonard said the measures would 'mitigate the impacts of the night-time economy in the city centre on residents, businesses and visitors'.

Paul Kendrick, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said he was 'very much in favour' of the measures as was Bert Bremner, who said they would 'help local people and residents close by' who 'deserve the support'.

Superintendent Dave Marshall, Norwich's policing commander, also attended the meeting and said the measures would help provide a 'safe and secure environment'.

One of the most radical measures will see traffic banned from streets, such as Cathedral Street, St Faiths Lane and Recorder Road on Friday and Saturday nights (between 11pm and 6am), starting this summer.

That will stop private hire vehicles from queuing in residential streets, with the council allowing them to park in Castle Meadow instead – thereby channelling drinkers away from residential areas.

Other measures include installing new CCTV cameras in Bank Plain, Cathedral Street/St Faiths Lane, increasing police resources, providing public toilets in the new Rose Lane car park, gating orders and promoting a designated driver scheme.

What do you think about the plan? Write (giving your name, address and contact number) to the Letters Editor, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk