New campaign to help people stay safe when out in Wellingborough

The Stay SAFE initiative has been launched in partnership with Wellingborough Business Improvement District (BID) and Sanjai Tailor, who runs three venues in the town centre.

It comes after a meeting to discuss safety for the night-time economy, which was attended by representatives from Wellingborough Council, Northants Police, the Wellingborough Taxi Association and the Community Safety Partnership.

Although the original meeting was to discuss taxi safety, it was established that other factors needed to be included to promote a safe night out.

As part of the campaign, revellers are being urged to avoid binge drinking and to walk home in groups so no individual is left in a vulnerable position.

A warning about only using licensed taxi cabs has also been issued, along with reminding people there are door supervisors, police and street pastors present at weekends should they need further assistance.

Mr Tailor, who owns Raff’s Bar, Temple and The Kingfisher, said: “The communication and commitment to keep the night time economy safe is ongoing and this campaign demonstrates how we can further promote that to the people who drink within the town.

“We take the safety of our customers extremely seriously and we want to remind people that we want everyone to have a good time, but it’s important they take care of themselves when out.”

Posters promoting the campaign will be distributed to venues within the town and taxi drivers will receive pocket-sized cards to keep within their vehicles.

John Cable, manager of the BID, said: “Wellingborough has a thriving nightlife, which is why it gets so busy at the weekends, particularly at this time of the year, but we want to make sure everyone has a good time and stays safe.

“Although we have put as many measures in place to protect party goers, we want to remind everyone that they have an individual responsibility to look after themselves and their friends.”

The BID is paid for by businesses, through its Discover Wellingborough campaign, which stages events and activities aimed at encouraging people into the town centre.

Gill Chapman, principal community support manager at Wellingborough Council, said: “The communication and commitment to keep the night time economy safe is ongoing and this campaign demonstrates how we can further promote that through the Community Safety Partnership to the people who drink within the town.”