Ensuring a safe festive night out in Merthyr Tydfil

South Wales Police have joined forces with the Council and local hospitality businesses to ensure the safety of residents and visitors having nights out in town this Christmas.

Licensees and members of staff from pubs, clubs and restaurants attended a training session at Redhouse Cymru teaching them how to be on the lookout for customers in vulnerable situations, particularly women.

The session provided by the police covered violence against women and girls, and the Ask for Angela scheme, which helps people who feel uncomfortable in someone’s company to get discreet support from bar staff.

Officers also educated attendees on their duty of care, the role of staff in hospitality venues and appropriate interventions to change the outcome of potentially difficult situations.

Inspector Richard Martin of South Wales Police said: “The Christmas and New Year period is the busiest time of year across our night-time economy establishments.

“Early identification of all forms of violence against women and girls is key to keeping people safe. Providing information to professionals working in the economy improves awareness and empowers our communities to act and not be silent bystanders,” he added.

“We’ve been educating premises staff on such campaigns as Ask Angela and ‘bystander interventions’ to empower them to safely intervene and challenge harmful attitudes, language or behaviour that supports violence, ensuring that Merthyr Tydfil is a safer place for all.”

Cabinet Member for Public Protection Cllr Michelle Symonds said: “We’re fortunate in Merthyr Tydfil in having a town centre that has an increasingly diverse and busy nightlife and restaurant offer.

“It has always been a relatively safe place to socialise, with investments in CCTV and dedicated partnership work involving key night-time economy workers such as bar staff and taxi drivers, we strive for a safer town centre.’’

• The Council and Police are grateful for the attendance at the training session of Barcode, Castle Bingo, Guest Bowls Club, Koolers, Merthyr Labour Club, The New Crown Inn, Tiger Inn, Vulcan Inn and The Welsh Bar.