Street Pastors and Police collaborate to support Newport night-goers with safe space at bus station

Southern Vectis is working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Street Pastors to create a late night Safe Space at Newport Bus Station.

The pilot, which will see pastors and police officers in the Southern Vectis travel shop on certain Friday and Saturday evenings, is designed to bolster the confidence of those travelling around the town between 9pm and 1.15am.

Tyldsley: Pleased to be offering our travel shop as a base for this important local resource
Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager, said,

“We work hard to ensure our passengers feel safe and secure, no matter what time of the day or night they travel with us.
“This new pilot takes this a step further and follows consultation with both the police and Street Pastors. It provides people who are out-and-about in Newport town centre late at night – not just those travelling with Southern Vectis – with a Safe Space where they can seek assistance should they need it.
“We’re pleased to be offering our travel shop as a base for this important local resource.”

Grindrod: Being on a night out and having a few drinks does not excuse criminal behaviour
PC Ben Grindrod, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Violent Crime Task force, added,

“With warmer and lighter evenings in summer, more people will be enjoying venues around Newport.
“Southern Vectis and the Street Pastors have worked incredibly hard to make Newport a safer place for the public, with their efforts leading to the creation of this Safe Space.
“Everyone has the right to enjoy themselves safely and comfortably. Being on a night out and having a few drinks does not excuse criminal behaviour, and we will deal robustly with anyone whose behaviour falls below the standard we expect.
“Officers will be conducting patrols in the evenings, and will be able assist with any concerns – or direct people to the Safe Space if needed. Ultimately this Safe Space is exactly what it says on the tin – a place of safety for anyone who feels vulnerable or unsafe on a night out.

“Anyone who visits the Safe Space having been a victim of crime on a night out – for example, violence or sexual violence – can be assured they will be supported here. They will also be provided with information and referrals to other agencies that can offer longer term support if they need it.
“We also encourage people to report crime or suspicious activity to police. They can approach a police officer, or call police on 101. We ask that people always dial 999 in the event of an emergency or if a crime is happening now.”

Street Pastors is a group of volunteers from different churches across Newport who go out into the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights to listen to, care, and help those in need, without discrimination.

McCaffery: A vital space for people to feel safe
Suzanne McCaffery from Street Pastors, said,

“Isle of Wight Street Pastors are pleased to be working with Southern Vectis and Isle of Wight Constabulary in bringing a Safe Space to Newport bus station.
“This will provide a vital space for people to feel safe, get advice and support, and report anti-social behaviour or concerns.”

Pilots dates
The pilot will be in operation at Southern Vectis travel shop between 9pm and 1.15am on the following dates: