A NEW initiative to keep people safe on nights out in Hyndburn has been launched.

The Nightsafe Haven will offer support to anybody who needs help or assistance on nights out in the lead up to the festive period.

A van in a flood-lit area in Church Street will run between 10.30pm and 3am, offering free water and medical assistance, every Saturday in December, as well as Friday, December 20, and Tuesday, December 31.

Insp Catherine Platt, from Accrington Police, said: “We want everyone to have both a safe and enjoyable time this Christmas and New Year, and the Nightsafe Haven is one of the methods we will be using to help ensure this happens.”

The multi-agency initiative - launched by Lancashire County and Hyndburn Borough Councils, St John’s Ambulance Service, and Asda.

Chair of Hyndburn’s Community Safety Partnership, Coun Pam Barton, said: “We’re happy to support the Nightsafe Haven scheme, which is all about helping people get home safely after enjoying the Christmas festivities in Accrington.”

As part of the preparations for the Christmas and New Year period, Accrington Police and Trading Standards will also be visiting every licensed premise within the town centre.

Plain clothes officers will also be patrolling the town centre’s pubs, bars and clubs to identify and quash trouble before it escalates.

Insp Platt said: “We have partnered with Lancashire County Council Trading Standards and Hyndburn Council to provide the Nightsafe Haven service to ensure everyone has a happy and enjoyable time this month.

“We want everyone to have both a safe and enjoyable time this Christmas and New Year, and the Nightsafe Haven is one of the methods we will be using to help ensure this happens.”