Violent crime dropped in Bicester after a nightclub was closed for five months for refurbishment, according to police.

The latest police figures show late-night brawls and violent incidents in the town were down by about 50 per cent over the past eight months.

Police believe the reduction was related to the closure of G's Wine Bar, in Deans Court, which was shut for five months while it underwent a refit.

At a town council meeting, Bicester's police commander, Insp Ray Howard, said: "For violent crime, Bicester was the only town in northern Oxfordshire to show a reduction -- partly due to that fact that the main nightclub closed."

George Smith, the owner of G's Bar, said the assessment made sense as only one nightspot had been open until the early hours, instead of the usual two.

He said: "I think it's like everything else -- you have a small minority that create problems and unfortunately everyone else has to suffer."

Mr Smith, who now only allows people over the age of 21 into the club, said most of the problems started after people left pubs. He said: "From a management point of view we have no control over people waiting at the taxi rank."

Mr Smith said it was unfair that people aged 18 to 20 were not catered for in the town after 11pm.

There was a 9.2 per cent reduction in crime in Bicester compared with the same period in 2002-2003.

According to police figures for April to December, violent crimes, burglary and theft were all down in the town.