With the festive season upon us more people than ever are out and about in Ayr town centre at the weekends, meeting work colleagues for a night out, having a family get together or celebrating with friends.
South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership has launched the SafeAyr initiative to ensure Ayr town centre is an even safer and more attractive place to be during the festive season. Throughout December up until 6 of January in addition to their usual weekend activities there will be additional police on the streets during the day and evening ensuring that there is a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. South Ayrshire Community Support Workers will be carrying out short surveys while on high viz patrols in the town centre as well as environmental patrols to reduce and deter littering and dog fouling. If you are out and about at night, SafeAyr will be there to help keep you even safer. As well as taxi marshals in Boswell Street there will be additional policing in the area. The ongoing Traffic Restriction Order is in place to keep the road clear as well as additional street cleansing, upgraded toilet facilities and a range of special safety messages projected on to the wall of the Gaiety Theatre to remind us how to stay safe. Ayr and Prestwick Street Pastors and St. Andrews First Aid who are based at “The Inn” are all there to make Ayr an even safer place to be at night time. Councillor Rita Miller, Community Safety Portfolio Holder said:” There will be even more people enjoying the town during the festive season and hopefully these measures not only keep Ayr looking good but will reassure everyone as well. Ayr is a great place to spend the day and there is some fantastic nightlife, so we hope everyone has a brilliant time but stays safe.” Area Commander Chief Inspector Gary I'Anson said "Our message is clear Christmas should be an enjoyable time for all and we want people to enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible manner throughout the festive period. We will be increasing the police presence at key times to reflect the increase of people attending local shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs. We would encourage everyone to follow advice provided by Police Scotland and take necessary steps to safeguard themselves whether it is out shopping or celebrating to ensure a happy and safe Christmas."