CHESTER'S 'Safe Space' scheme, which has been helping to protect vulnerable people during the night-time in the city centre, is to end next month.

The scheme, introduced by key groups including CH1ChesterBID and Cheshire West and Chester Council, launched in September 2018 as part of the city’s Purple Flag scheme to help make Chester’s evening and night-time economy safer and more welcoming.

A mobile welfare unit was placed on the pedestrianised area of Foregate Street, near the Eastgate Clock, offering a combination of emergency medical care and help for anyone that may have become vulnerable on a night out.

The scheme proved popular and extra dates were added in December 2019 to allow for additional demand during the festive season.

But now the council has confirmed it will be ending the Safe Space scheme, which it said was a pilot project, on Saturday, March 21.

Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins said: “We have been working with key partners across the borough to ensure that Chester city centre’s night-time economy is safe and welcoming for residents and visitors.

"This has included a wide range of initiatives, targeting transport, the environment, for example extra lighting and signage, working with venues, campaigns and community safety.

"The city has been recognised for this work over the past few years, being awarded ‘Purple Flag Status’ in 2018 and 2019 for providing a safe and welcoming city centre.

“Since September 2018, Cheshire West and Chester Council funded a pilot project, known as ‘Safe Space’ which provided basic medical attention and support to people whilst on a night out.

"This pilot has been funded for a fixed period until March 2020 and the last date of operation for this pilot will be Saturday, March 21.

“We will continue to work with our partners on delivering a wide range of innovative projects and services. These include: Street Pastors, expanding CCTV coverage, improvements to lighting, targeted policing initiatives, campaigns to encourage people to drink sensibly and Community Safety patrols.

“The excellent partnership working will continue to ensure our city remains safe and welcoming for residents, students and visitors.”