Crash mats and flip flops to help Staffordshire revellers sober up

The police and St John Ambulance will help people who have had too much to drink, become injured, or lost from friends and need help to get home from Cannock town centre.

On 10 nights, starting this Sunday, a triage area will be set up in the bandstand between 10pm and 3am. Dates have been chosen when the town centre is expected to be much busier than usual - including the night of England's World Cup match against Italy on June 14, which kicks off at 11pm.

A 'crash mat' area will also be set up where revellers can sober up before going home. Water will be made available along with flip flops for those who are struggling to walk in their shoes safely.

Inspector Paul Cooke from Cannock local policing team said: "We want all people who visit the town centre to keep safe and enjoy their night out. This initiative is about supporting the community to ensure the safety of those who are vulnerable through illness or intoxication and to assist those requiring treatment for minor injuries.

"This initiative will help those in need and will offer a safe area, particularly as people who have over-indulged are more vulnerable. Licensees and door staff will help by directing them to the welfare area.

"The initiative will run on 10 key dates where there is an increase in demand on the emergency services due to more people in the town centre."

Val Pottinger, Cannock Chase Council anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said: "This initiative will help to ensure that people visiting Cannock town centre stay safe and enjoy their nights out, as well as relieving the pressure on emergency services."

After Sunday, the triage service will be set up on May 4 and 25, June 14 - when England are playing in the World Cup, August 24, December 19, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.