A new partnership deal will see extra patrols by the police and wardens from the Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID) due to an expected increase in visitor numbers across the city.
Over the next four weeks Lancaster City Council has agreed to fund an extra 20 hours per week in patrol time by the BID wardens to provide a visible and reassuring presence across the city centre. In addition, the neighbourhood policing team will increase patrols to support a safe and secure Lancaster.
The decision has been taken due to the increase in people expected in the city centre, with the award-winning Lancaster Music Festival attracting thousands of visitors for a long weekend of music and merriment.
With new and returning students also expected to swell visitor numbers, the additional patrols will enhance public safety.
Councillor Nick Wilkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, skills and digital innovation, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to work with Lancaster BID and Lancashire Constabulary to arrange these additional patrols during what is expected to be an extremely busy time for the city.
“Providing an additional uniformed presence during this time will complement existing arrangements and ensure people feel safe and secure, whether they’re enjoying what’s on offer at the music festival, shopping, or catching up with friends at one of our many excellent restaurants or cafes.”
Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID manager, said: “It’s great to see Lancashire Police and Lancaster City Council working together with Lancaster BID to ensure Lancaster city centre remains a safe place for everyone to enjoy.
‘’By working together, we can tackle the small number of individuals who frequently cause nuisance and make sure the city remains welcoming to all.”
Sgt Lindsay Brown, partnership officer at Lancashire Police, said: “We know Lancaster is a safe place to live and work.
‘’We want to keep it that way and put the focus on the small minority of people who continue to spoil the city centre for everyone else.
‘’The Safe & Secure Partnership will ensure the police, city council, and BID make the best use of their combined resources and do everything they can to make the city a better place to be.”
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