PEOPLE in Chippenham who find festive nights out do not go to plan will be able to get help at a ‘safe zone’ in Chippenham.

Chippenham Street Pastors have joined forces with St John Ambulance volunteers to run the safe zone at Central Methodist Church on Monkton Hill on December 22, 23, 30 and 31 from 10.30pm-3.30am. It will allow people who are in distress or in need of medical assistance to get the help they need.

“We will be operating our safe zones for the fourth year running and this will be the second year that we have extended this over a period of four days,” Chippenham Street Pastor co-ordinator Michael Weeks said.

“People feeling vulnerable or who have minor injuries can come to the church where volunteers will provide medical provisions and support to hopefully prevent additional strain on the emergency services.

“Town hosts from the BID know about our service, as do staff from licensed premises and the police, so it’s really a big multi-agency partnership.”

The Chippenham Street Pastors also recently received a community grant from Chippenham Town Council to help them continue their patrols at night.

The funding will allow the organisation to purchase new supplies and train a new group of volunteers to patrol on market days.

Councillor Peter Hutton added: “We are delighted to offer support to Chippenham Street Pastors. They are an integral part of the team who work hard to deliver the Purple Flag status for Chippenham.”

Anyone interested in becoming a street pastor must be a committed Christian over the age of 18. For more info email chippenham@streetpastors.org.uk.