Bus safety for Blackpool revellers

3:37pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Clubbers in Blackpool will be able to make use of a bus providing safety and shelter from this weekend.

The ‘safe haven bus’, which is being funded and run by BSafe Blackpool, will be stationed on Market Street every Friday and Saturday night for the next six months.

The bus will offer respite to party goers who may be worse for wear, lost, in distress or looking for help of any kind.

It will be staffed by up to 13 volunteers who can help with a range of issues or access help for those in serious need of assistance.

Councillor Roy Haskett, cabinet assistant for culture and communities, said: “At the end of a night out, there are plenty of reasons why people may find themselves in some kind of distress.

“Perhaps someone could find themselves separated from their friends and stranded, alone in the town.

“In the worst case scenario, it could be an assault has taken place or belongings have been stolen.

“Whatever may have happened, it is not always obvious to know who to turn to but, thanks to the safe haven bus, people now have somewhere they can go to take time out or even clear their head, calm down with a drink of water and get the assistance they need."

"The idea for the bus was first suggested at BSafe Blackpool working group meeting.

"The idea was taken on from the meeting and a six month pilot scheme will run until after Christmas, and if successful will become a permanent fixture.

The bus will be brightly branded making it stand out from other buses and making it clear what it is there for.

Nightclub bosses and taxi drivers have been also informed to direct people to the bus if they are unable to help themselves.

Police will be able to use the bus as a place to take witnesses or victims, to help them to relax, away from the crowds.