'We help people worse for wear on a night out'

A "safe space" for people to go for help on a night out has been launched in Blackpool following a pilot last summer.

Based at 1 Clifton Street, it aims to provide assistance to residents and visitors who may need some guidance.

Open between 22:00 and 03:00 each Saturday, it is managed by Blackpool and Fylde Street Angels, who also walk around the town centre and engage with people who appear vulnerable, have lost their friends or are struggling to get home.

Founder Paul Rawson said: "Over 30 years ago I experienced it myself, wondering how I got home sometimes, so I wanted to do something to help."

He said the project saw "people worse for wear, people who'd been abandoned by their friends, who wanted to carry on enjoying themselves" and aimed to "help people, try to get them sobered up and help with first aid to save admissions to A&E".

"We give them water and flip flops to people who are walking round town in their bare feet," he said.

"Taxi drivers don't want to be taking someone home if they think they're going to be throwing up in the back of the cab."

The vulnerable can recuperate, charge their mobiles or get further help if they are worried about their condition or need treatment for minor injuries.

They can also access the safer taxi scheme to get back home in accredited taxis.

The Safe Space initiative also works with Lancashire Police and Blackpool Council.

Councillor Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, neighbourhoods and street scene, said: "Since the scheme was piloted in the summer we have successfully managed to help a number of people who may have been in difficulty and needed a helping hand.

"Our teams and partners are playing a really important role in keeping people safe and we thank them for their efforts."

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