Newcastle’s Street Marshals have helped more than 300 people to safety on nights out since January

Newcastle City Council has been deploying its team of marshals to support people who are out in the city centre on a Saturday night.

The Street Marshals have helped people get back to their hotels or licensed taxi ranks, reconnect with friends when they’ve become lost, and escort people to the Safe Haven van at St Nicholas Cathedral.

The team has helped over 300 people since January and they offer an additional uniformed presence in Newcastle city centre by patrolling nightlife hotspots to reassure members of the public and safeguard individuals when vulnerabilities are identified.

Cllr Lesley Storey, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for a Vibrant City, said: “Newcastle is a popular night out for people whether they live in the city or come from further afield, but with that comes a huge responsibility to keep people safe.

“Safety at night, and particularly the safety of women and girls, is a huge priority. We’ve been working hard to provide that reassurance to anyone who spends time in our city through our Better Lives, Safer Communities programme.

“Our team of Street Marshals, with at least one female in each patrolling pair, is a brilliant addition to this programme, and the team have already made a huge impact in the city by helping people get home safely or reconnecting them with people they trust.

“We’re proud of Newcastle’s reputation as a destination city, and we’re committed to making sure it remains a modern and vibrant city where people can enjoy themselves safely.”

Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, has welcomed the impact that the Street Marshals are having in the city centre.

She commented: “It’s great to hear the positive impact the street marshals are having and it’s just one of a number of ways we are working together across the city to make people feel safe in the knowledge that help is on hand if needed.

“From dedicated police patrols to awareness campaigns - it’s all part of our big plans to make sure Newcastle is not only one of the best nights out but one of the safest too.”

Newcastle City Council’s Street Marshals team has been supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets Fund.

The team is made up of local authority employees from existing services such as Community Safety and Resilience and Parking Services.

Every member of the Street Marshals team is experienced in dealing with the public and trained in recognising vulnerabilities.

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