TEN out of 11 pubs and restaurants in Bicester have tested positive for drugs.

But police say the town does not have a big drugs problem, despite some landlords warning the use of recreational drugs is rife.

Officers used swabs to test the toilets of 11 pubs and restaurants in the town centre last month.

Results just disclosed show traces of cocaine in nine licensed premises, ketamine - a horse tranquilliser - in three, and heroin in one.

We are unable to reveal which premises were tested, as police are not releasing details.

Officers are planning to send in drug sniffer dogs in pubs and restaurants in the town.

PC Nicki Entwistle said: "Bicester does not have a major drugs problem. We are no different from anywhere else.

"But we know it is happening and we want to work in partnership with the licensees to do something about it. The aim is to try and reduce drug use."

The swabs were used on all flat surfaces in the toilets then fed into a drugs itemiser which tests if cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, amphetamine, heroin or cannabis has been used in the past 24 hours.

There are no plans to review any licences as a result of the tests and the percentages of drugs found were relatively low, PC Entwistle said.

Sarah Rundle, landlady at The White Hart, said her pub was tested, but would not reveal the results.

She said "I have no problem with police coming and testing our toilets, or using the drugs dogs on the customers.

"There are drugs problems everywhere, and Bicester is no different. We have to keep an eye open all the time. It's a major headache.

"We don't want drug users in our pub anyway."

Chris Townsend, landlord of The Star Inn, said: "Bicester certainly has a drugs culture. There are a number of drug pushers in the area, and users. I've barred them all.

"The only way to keep it out of the pub is to have a proper understanding with customers that you won't tolerate it."

Bicester mayor John Cozens said: "It's alarming to know so many drugs are around in Bicester. I think it's disgusting and the police should crack down.

"Drugs are at the heart of so many problems all around the country. Anything that the police can do to stop it, I will support.

"I hope they do use these drug sniffer dogs to find who is using them and that they get caught and given harsh sentences."