The council has teamed up with WalkSafe – the UK’s leading safety app – to help people feel even more safe and secure in the town centre at night.
It comes after the successful launch of the Safer Nights NL charter, which brings together owners and workers in the night-time economy with a host of initiatives and projects to enable people to feel safer when using local pubs, clubs, eateries and taxis.
WalkSafe North Lincolnshire was launched at the Baths Hall by app founder Emma Kay with more than 40 representatives from the local night-time economy and the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership, which has funded and is backing the scheme.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities (urban) at North Lincolnshire Council said: “This is part of our commitment to keeping people safe when out in the town and increasing confidence for everyone enjoying our busy night-time economy.
“We understand that people, especially women, may feel vulnerable when out at night and this amazing app gives them peace of mind.
“It is also shows just how many businesses and organisations are on board with our Safer Nights charter, which is dedicated to keeping people safe and well while they enjoy themselves.”
The WalkSafe North Lincolnshire app is free to download and allows users to select safer walking routes and be monitored by family and friends.
It also includes a map of Scunthorpe town centre showing all the locations where help is available.
These include the new SOS stations which have CCTV and connect directly to the emergency services, Ask Angela venues where staff are trained to offer help and premises that have signed up to the council’s Safer Nights charter.
Chief Superintendent Paul French of Humberside Police said: “As part of our local Safer Nights North Lincolnshire partnership, we are delighted to support the initiative of the WalkSafe app across our local communities.
“Humberside Police are absolutely committed to working with our communities and our partners to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience when out and around North Lincolnshire.”
The Safer Night NL campaign will soon be extended to rural locations across the area, starting with Brigg, where a Pubwatch scheme is being set up.
North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB (Integrated Care Board) and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
You can download the WalkSafe app here.
Pictured at the launch of the WalkSafe app are Cllr John Davison, head of community resilience at North Lincolnshire Council Stuart Minto, app founder Emma Kay, CSP board manager Tracey Coyne, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison and violence reduction officer Kathy Cairns.
