SOUTHAMPTON is to get a new emergency bus to act as a safe haven for drunken revellers in the city centre over the festive period.
The special bus is currently being fitted out to offer help and advice, as well as first aid, to people out on the town late at night.
It is hoped the bus will help reduce alcohol-fuelled violence and crime in the city centre and reduce pressures on police and accident and emergency departments in the early hours.
As revealed in the Daily Echo yesterday, it follows the appointment of a night-time economy manager to oversee bars, clubs and late-night businesses from next month.
The new manager will also oversee the implementation of the bus, set up by police, council and other agencies as part of the Safe City Partnership, which will be out on the street on selected nights across Christmas and new year, and during peak holiday weekends throughout the year.
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