EFFORTS to make Ipswich a safer place to enjoy at night without fear of crime have now gone online.Members of Nightsafe, a partnership including representatives from councils, the police, pubs, clubs and businesses met at Liquid in Cardinal Park to celebrate the unveiling of a new website and promotional material.

EFFORTS to make Ipswich a safer place to enjoy at night without fear of crime have now gone online.

Members of Nightsafe, a partnership including representatives from councils, the police, pubs, clubs and businesses met at Liquid in Cardinal Park to celebrate the unveiling of a new website and promotional material.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the work being done to increase people's safety and deter potential offenders from committing crime.

Designed to appeal to young people and clubbers, the campaign posters, postcards, flyers, and beer mats feature a colourful dance floor scheme and three key messages – Friends stay together, Don't overdo it, Get home safe.

Over the weekend thousands of young people and clubbers were surveyed about using the Nightbus, which ensures late-night revellers can get home safely every Friday and Saturday.

Free Nightsafe pens, the chance to win free nightclub entry and £1 fares on the Nightbus were on offer.

Ipswich police sector commander, chief inspector Chris Mayhew, said: "By working in partnership with pub and club owners, local councils and other agencies, we are trying to create the safest possible environment in which people can enjoy themselves. For example, we have concentrated on high profile policing while improving the working relationship between officers and door staff at licensed premises, which helps to prevent incidents occurring or diffuses them before they escalate."

Councillor David Ellesmere, deputy leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said:

"We hope that the practical measures we have put in place such as new CCTV cameras, improved lighting and the Nightbus service will help make people feel safer in the town and increase their enjoyment of Ipswich's thriving nightlife."

Mark Pook, chairman of Clubwatch and general manager of Liquid said: "As Ipswich becomes the leading regional destination for the people of East Anglia, it is our responsibility to ensure that the public have a safe night out."

N What do you think about the Nightsafe initiative? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk

Weblink: www.nightsafe.co.uk