Partnership urges people to stay safe whilst enjoying their festivities

People celebrating the Christmas party season are being urged to stay safe during the festive period. 

Shropshire’s Safer Stronger Communities Partnership is asking people to think about their journey home before they start their night out.

To raise awareness of the personal safety issues surrounding drinking, the Partnership are highlighting some of the dangers people could face if they drink too much, such as going home alone along poorly lit and deserted streets, driving whilst drunk, getting into a car when the driver is drunk, getting into cars which are assumed to be taxis, or accepting lifts from people they have just met.   

The Partnership also wants to remind people of the danger of being near open water after consuming a large amount of alcohol.  Over the last six years there have been a small number of deaths caused by accidental drowning in the River Severn in Shrewsbury.  The majority have involved individuals making their way home from either a pub or club having consumed a large amount of alcohol.  In the majority of cases, the individual had been on their own and had fallen into the river and been unable, due to the consumption of alcohol, to get out of the water. 

This is why we are urging people to drink sensibly and responsibly, know how they’re getting home, and ensure they have made adequate arrangements before they set out for the evening.  

Other simple actions can make a big difference to how your night ends:

• look out for your friends when you are out and about 
• encourage them to drink sensibly
• make sure you stick together as a group rather than putting yourselves in vulnerable positions
• if possible try not to travel home alone, and check you have all got home safely after a night out by a simple phone call or text message. 

A number of safeguarding services and schemes are in operation to help and safeguard those who may consume too much alcohol or are affected as a result of someone else’s drinking:

• Shrewsbury Safer Nights project – a new 8-week pilot scheme to help people in a vulnerable state after a night out.  A minor injuries treatment centre has been set up as part of the scheme to provide medical treatment and advice to revellers throughout the festive season.  The treatment centre is located in the car park opposite Montgomery Towers, and will open from 9pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Taxi marshalling schemes are operating in Shrewsbury and Oswestry to ensure the public who haven’t booked a taxi can find the next available one on the rank.
• Street Pastors will be on the streets in Shrewsbury offering help and support to those who may be drunk or have been separated from their friends.   
• Domestic abuse can increase over the Christmas and New Year.  If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please call West Mercia Women’s Aid has a 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 1359, or alternatively you can go online at www.womensaid.org.uk.  If you are a male victim of domestic abuse you can contact Mankind on 0808 801 0327, or alternatively you can go online at www.mensadviceline.org.uk.
• We want ensure that we safeguard members of the public who choose to use a local taxi service.  Before drivers are issued with a licence they have to successfully pass a knowledge test and driving assessment, and have a CRB and DVLA check.  This all helps us to determine if they are a fit and proper person, after which the licence is either granted or refused.  Vehicles must have a recent MOT and comply with current conditions before a licence and plates can be issued. 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said:

“We want everyone to have a great time over the festive season, but just want to encourage everyone to know their limits, stay with your friends, keep a look out for them to ensure everyone gets home safely, and if you have a taxi home, make sure you arrange your transport with a licensed taxi.”

Further information about staying safe when going out can be found by visiting www.drinkaware.co.uk , www.westmercia.police.uk, www.shropshirefire.gov.uk.

If you are unhappy with the service from a taxi company, you can make a complaint by calling 0345 678 9026 and the council’s public protection team will investigate it.

If you or someone you know is concerned about anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, then please call our Anti-Social Behaviour ‘report it’ line on 0345 678 9020.  All calls will be treated in confidence.

Remember: in an emergency, dial 999.

Further information

Evidence has shown that reports of domestic abuse increase over the Christmas and New Year period as families spend more time together, and stresses about money and alcohol put additional pressure on relationships.  The increase in domestic abuse not only harms the victim, but also their family.  Domestic abuse can take many different forms.  It can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or financial abuse.  Domestic abuse can have a devastating effect.  It ruins lives, breaks apart families and has an impact across generations.