Ex-ambulance becomes safety hub for revellers

A converted ambulance is set to provide a safe space for people feeling vulnerable on nights out in Wakefield.

The "safe point" on Westgate is launching on "Mad Friday" – the last Friday before Christmas - to provide support, medical equipment, water and phone charging facilities.

It will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and bank holidays between 22:30 and 05:30 and staffed by a safety officer and an emergency medical technician.

Daniel Wilton, the council's cabinet member for communities, said: "The service will be a first port of call for welfare and medical issues, reducing the burden on emergency services while improving safety in the night-time economy."

He said it would allow there to be coordinated responses between the police, ambulance service, council, night marshals, street angels and venues if required.

"Because it's a converted ambulance we can take it to other night-time spots when needed and give extra support at other events in our district," he added.

Mandy Perkins, of WF Security, said the van would be a "really vital part of the night-time economy".

"There's nothing as scary as having a bit of a wobble, maybe having a panic attack in the middle of town and not knowing where to turn," she said.

"Having that vital safe space for young, old, whatever, it's just really important."

Ch Insp Emma Hooks said the safe point, which has been provided by Wakefield Council's community safety partnership, was a "welcome addition".

"It will be staffed by appropriately trained people and provide those who feel vulnerable, or those who just need a bit of support, with a safe place to go that's away from the public eye," she said.

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