Festive safety schemes announced by council and police

Working alongside a group of key local partners and local agencies, the council has announced a number of safety schemes to prioritise public protection in the city centre over the festive period.

The local authority will collaborate with Police Scotland and other organisations, including Go Forth Stirling and the street pastors, to ensure everyone can enjoy the Christmas celebrations and the wide range of events taking place in the city.

The safety initiatives include:

Safe Base

Funded by the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Safe Base provides a safe environment for anyone visiting the city centre at night, with the teams working closely with Police Scotland and the Stirling Street Pastors, who provide a vital service in looking out for anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable situation while on a night out.

They will offer people basic first aid, information about transport options and harm minimisation, and a pick up/contact point If required.

Operation Steadfast

This joint initiative between Police Scotland and Stirling Council has a proven track-record of success during busy periods of high footfall. Launched at the end of November, it will see both organisations maintain a high-visibility presence in the city centre, with support from the Street Pastors.

Anyone wishing to speak with police to obtain safety information or report an incident can visit the mobile police station, which will be located in Port Street during the day and then in Friars Street in the evenings. Alternatively, the public can also dial 101 in non-emergency situations, and 999 in the event of an ongoing emergency.

Taxi Marshalls

Taxi Marshalls will be supplied by the council to staff taxi ranks at busy city centre locations during key times over the Christmas period.

Youth Participation Team

Stirling Council’s Youth Participation Team will have detached youth workers operating in the city centre. Alongside the street pastors, the team will help and support young people and adults to address various issues ensuring they are safe.

Stuart Oliver, Stirling Council’s senior manager for Economic Development and Communities said: “Fresh from the launch of the festive instalment of Operation Steadfast, our joint initiative with Police Scotland, I am pleased to announce the details of the other safety schemes in Stirling city centre over the Christmas period.

“These measures underline our commitment to making Stirling a safe and enjoyable place for people and businesses, particularly during such a busy and exciting time for the city which will climax with our spectacular Hogmanay celebrations.

“The success of these initiatives and campaigns depends on the collaboration with various local agencies and organisations, and we are looking forward to working together with them again over the coming weeks.”

Chief Inspector Gill Marshall, local area commander for Stirling, said: "Keeping the public safe is our number one priority and we are absolutely delighted to be involved in the range of ongoing initiatives taking place within Stirling over the festive period, which helps us achieve our goal alongside our key partners.

“Over Christmas and New Year, the city centre becomes extremely busy, with members of the public coming into to enjoy the night-time economy and other attractions taking place. For the vast majority, their evenings will be routine and enjoyable. However, there will be some who find themselves in a vulnerable situation, for one reason or another.

“With that in mind, the presence of police officers, council staff and other services, such as street pastors and taxi marshalls are vital to ensuring no harm comes to these individuals and that they get home safely.

“As with all of our joint endeavours, I am grateful to not only my officers and staff, but our partners for their continued dedication and support in keeping Stirling's city centre safe.”