Partner groups working together on safer city centre plans to boost weekend night-time economy in Wolverhampton
City centre partners have been working together to make nights out in Wolverhampton even better by investing £200,000 in a package of safety measures.
These include more Save Haven nights, enhanced CCTV coverage and extra patrol hours from the Night Guardians, starting this weekend.
The measures are in response to feedback from local residents and businesses captured during the development of ‘Night Vision’, the city centre’s new night-time economy strategy which was approved by Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet in October.
The Safe Haven on Queen Square, which is managed by the council, will now be open every weekend, with visitors able to charge their phones, have a glass of water, access free WiFi, get flip flops to relieve aching feet, report any concerns they may have and receive support to arrange transport home.
Previously operating on payday weekends only, the Safe Haven will now be open every Friday and Saturday between 10.30pm and 3.30am, starting on Friday.
As well as the extension of the Save Haven, other measures include the Night Guardians scheme managed by Enjoy Wolverhampton BID, a visible, uniformed team who deter anti-social behaviour and support vulnerable people, now operating every Friday and Saturday night.
There will also be enhanced CCTV monitoring, extra police patrols, and brighter lighting on key routes between venues, transport hubs and car parks, while the 24/7 opening of the council's Civic Centre car park will be continued following a successful trial.
Taxi marshals will continue to be on hand every weekend to manage ranks, keep traffic flowing and support people to get home safely, while venues will carry on working closely together to share information and promote responsible behaviour, creating a coordinated and supportive environment for businesses and visitors alike.
Speaking on behalf of the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "We are committed to ensuring Wolverhampton remains a safe and welcoming city for residents and visitors alike.
“The Safe Haven is a hugely valued service and making it available every Friday and Saturday night will not only support those who need help and support but also contribute to a safe and thriving city centre for everyone.”
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: "We want to ensure that everyone who comes into Wolverhampton, whether for work, leisure or a fantastic night out, has the best possible experience.
“Feedback shows people want to feel even safer when enjoying the city centre at night and, thanks to this investment by partners of up to £200,000 over the next 12 months, we are running the Safe Haven every weekend, increasing CCTV monitoring and Night Guardian and police patrols, opening car parks round-the-clock, and deepening our partnership work.
“As a result, we’re keeping people safe, we’re helping our businesses thrive, and we’re strengthening our night-time economy.”
Cherry Shine, Managing Director of Enjoy Wolverhampton BID, said: “The BID is a key partner in the development and delivery of ‘Night Vision’. Working with partners we absolutely get the importance of feeling safe when visiting our city centre.
"Hospitality businesses have been hit hard in recent years by the cost of doing business, so anything we can do to make our city centre even more vibrant will be a big boost to our fantastic pubs, clubs and eateries."
The funding is being provided from partners including the council, Enjoy Wolverhampton BID, Wolverhampton Police and the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.
