Safe space extends opening over festive period
Getty ImagesA town's late-night "safe space" is to open for additional nights over the festive period for revellers who run into difficulties.
The site in Newcastle-under-Lyme is there to assist those who need support, whether it is help getting home, a place to charge their phone, or somewhere to wait for friends.
It will open on Friday 19 December, 20 December, and then on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said qualified medics would also be on hand at Lancaster Buildings in the Ironmarket, opposite Caffè Nero, between 21:00 and 02:00 GMT.
In addition, taxi marshals will be standing by between 23:00 and 04:00, with other volunteers also in direct contact with police, bars and clubs.
The safe space was set up in March 2022 to help women and girls in the town get home safely.
It is run by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, in partnership with the council.
Gill Heesom, cabinet member for community safety at the council, said: "We want people to have a safe night out in our town centre, and we work closely with the police and businesses to help that happen."
"The volunteers, medical staff and taxi marshals are there for anyone who needs a helping hand, whether it's a drink of water, recharging their phone, or being reconnected with friends."
