Christmas revellers are being encouraged to stay safe and sensible by Merton council and police in a scheme launched on December 7.
Christmas revellers are being encouraged to stay safe and sensible by Merton council and police in a scheme launched on December 7.
The ‘be social, be sensible, be safe’ campaign encourages Christmas drinkers to enjoy their night out but look after themselves and get home safely by promoting CabWise and giving out lollies.
Pubs and bars in Wimbledon village and the town centre are working with Safer Merton which includes the council, police, fire brigade and other agencies, to help partygoers enjoy their night.
CabWise is a service run by Transport for London encouraging people to only use legal minicabs and plan their journey home in advance. Information cards will be handed out by clubs and at the train station.
Councilor Henry Nelless, cabinet member for community safety and engagement, said: “Although Merton is one of the safest boroughs in London we are committed to putting the needs and concerns of our residents first.
“We know that alcohol related behaviour is an area of concern and by working with our partners on this campaign we hope to help address this issue and also encourage those who are enjoying their night out in Wimbledon to do so in a safe and responsible way.”
On December 7 licensees from the borough gathered at Suburban bar in Wimbledon with Inspector Jim Cook, Merton police, and Councilor Nelless, with staff from Suburban, Walkabout and The Watershed, for the launch .
The campaign was first put in place last Christmas after funding from the home office and proved to be such a success it is running again.
Inspector Cook, police lead for Wimbledon Town centre said: “Last year we looked to this campaign as a way to help reduce alcohol related crime and incidents in Wimbledon Town Centre and it worked.
“Alcohol related incidents over the Christmas period fell by 30% and the licensees involved were pleased with the results too. Working in partnership again we hope that we will see another decline.”
Lollipops will be given out to people going home as they have been proved to reduce loud and anti-social behaviour.
To use CabWise text CAB to 60835 to get the number of one taxi and two minicab firms in the area you are texting from.
For more tips visit www.merton.gov.uk/besafe
