Watford Observer readers have had their say on plans for undercover police officers to patrol nightclubs and better protect women.

Downing Street unveiled the controversial scheme this week as part of "immediate steps" being taken to to improve the security of women in the night-time economy.

Dubbed 'Project Vigilant’, it involves officers attending areas around clubs and bars undercover, along with increased police patrols as people leave at closing time.

The plans sparked a mixed response on social media, with many readers dismissing them while others claimed they could help.

Chris Hull wrote: “What about if the clubs employ some people to keep an eye on the crowd and remove people behaving inappropriately.

"You could give them a fancy name like Bouncer.” 

Another contributor, Jo Robson, said she would "prefer not to feel like I’m under surveillance”, while others also questioned whether police had the resources for such schemes.

“It's the type of policy that is always dragged out thinking that this will address the underlying issues," wrote Julie Griffin. "All too predictable.” 

But other readers reacted more positively, including Tammy Baker, who called it a "great idea" on Facebook, and Geraldine Blow hailed having "bobbies on the beat".

Karen Storey also wrote: “Support this if there are going to be any bars, clubs still left open.”

The next steps involve pilot programmes being launched nationwide, and comes as Downing Street also unveiled a £45 million Safer Streets fund to pay for better street lighting and CCTV.