Dunfermline Safe Zone For Festive Party Season

Police Scotland will join forces with partner agencies in Fife to provide a safe area for partygoers in Dunfermline town centre over the two weekends before Christmas and Boxing Day.

The Safe Zone will be located at Dunfermline Advice Hub, 7 Douglas Street, Dunfermline and will provide a safe venue for people to meet, if they are separated from friends, suffering effects from excessive alcohol consumption or require minor medical assistance.

The Scottish Ambulance Service, Fife Council, British Red Cross, Dunfermline Delivers, Dunfermline Street Pastors and West Fife Neighbourhood Watch have joined up with Police Scotland’s Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit to provide the safe area for partygoers over the Festive period.

Building on the success of previous initiatives in 2013 and 2014, the Safe Zone is a response to the risks of over-consumption of alcohol, which can increase peoples’ vulnerability, and their chance of becoming a victim of crime.

PC Davey Moffatt, of Fife Division’s Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit, said:  “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and we are proud to once again be involved in an initiative that shows how different organisations can work together to achieve this.

“We hope that people won’t need to use the services at the Dunfermline Safe Zone and will keep themselves safe on their night out, but by having a fully-staffed facility we hope to provide some reassurance that we can offer help should they find themselves in a difficult situation.

“The Safe Zone is a collaborative effort that would not be possible without the efforts of our partner agencies and the good people at Dunfermline Advice Hub and Furniture Plus who have kindly donated the use of their premises.”

Jim Bett, Service Manager with Fife Alcohol Support Service added: "Partygoers and revellers want to enjoy themselves on their night out.

“Most can do so safely, however, there will be some who find themselves in danger of accident or violence because of too much alcohol, spiking of their drinks, or use of drugs.

“The Safe Zone is a wonderful multi-agency approach that encourages people to do things the right way, and enjoy their night out whilst keeping themselves and their friends safe from harm.

“For those who do find themselves in difficulty, the Safe Zone provides excellent help and support. It's an important initiative that we in FASS are very pleased to support.”

Local Councillor Helen Law also commented: " The City of Dunfermline Area Committee is delighted to be part funding the Safe Zone over the holiday period.

“I am proud that Dunfermline was the first city in Scotland to obtain Purple Flag status denoting a safe night time economy. I am grateful to all the partners who are contributing to this worthwhile initiative. I certainly hope that everyone who comes to Dunfermline over the holiday has a great night out and gets home safely."

The Safe Zone will be located at Dunfermline Advice Hub, 7 Douglas Street, Dunfermline.

It will be open overnight (from 10pm – 5am) on the following dates:

Friday 11^th & Saturday 12^th December 2015

Friday 18^th & Saturday 19^th December 2015

Saturday 26^th December 2015