Northampton Borough Council launches campaign to issue 'simple advice' to club-goers

The ‘Out Tonight?’ campaign focuses on personal responsibility and aims to issue simple advice to ensure people on a night out have a fully charged phone, have planned their journey’s home in advance, and have understood how to identify a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle.

As well as this drive to improve the town-centre experience, the Chronicle & Echo have also launched a fundamental campaign to introduce ‘Safe Places’ in Northampton pubs, clubs and bars to shelter women if they find themselves on the street alone, so they can be reunited with friends, or where they can wait for a taxi.

Our campaign is calling on the 14 establishments in the town centre that are open until after 1am to provide Safe Places for women to shelter in if they have lost their friends or find themselves feeling vulnerable.

Speaking on the 'Out Tonight?' initiative, councillor Anna King, the cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “Northampton nightlife has a lot to offer as there are plenty of restaurants and bars for people to enjoy, as well as fantastic theatres and cinemas. We want to make sure that everyone who comes into the town centre for the evening has a positive experience.

“It really is all common-sense but it’s been a while since a campaign of this kind ran in Northampton and it’s important to remind people of the easy steps they can take to help their night go to plan.”Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner, University of Northampton, Northampton Pubwatch, Northampton Street Pastors, and local private hire and taxi companies are backing the campaign, which encourages people to take responsibility for their wellbeing.

Northamptonshire Police Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold, said: “Staying safe on a night out doesn’t mean not having fun - it simply means taking small steps that could mean the difference between getting home safely and not.

“Whatever happens and wherever you go on a night out, we’d simply ask you to make sure your phone has been charged before you leave the house, you stick together with friends, and you know how you’re getting home at the end of the night.

“Doing these simple things will help to make sure everyone can have a great time while knowing they’re safe and secure."

The characters of two young adults, Jack and Chloe sit at the heart of the campaign and its positive messages.

Richard Johnson, chair of Northampton Street Pastors Management Committee, said: “Northampton Street Pastors are committed to supporting “Chloe and Jack”, helping young people like them to keep safe in our town.”

The borough council will be holding an awareness event on Saturday, March 18, between 11.30am and 2pm on Abington Street.

Residents of Northampton can drop in to listen to personal safety advice as well as the chance to pick up a free mobile phone power pack.