On New Year’s Eve we were delighted to be part of the Help Zone set up in Chippenham, a new initiative to support continuing public safety and well-being in the night- time economy.

This scheme brought together volunteers from the Street Pastors and St John Ambulance as well as members of the South West Ambulance Service, who were all located near to the night-time venues of the town and offering the ability to assist very quickly to any medical emergency in the town centre.

This eased the strain on the Accident & Emergency departments and acute hospitals. Although only a small number of cases were dealt with, it highlighted the continuing value of partnership working and the vital part volunteers play in our communities, working alongside members of the emergency services.

A number of patrols were undertaken and I am pleased to report that the general mood was excellent. With a significant and proactive police presence people were able to enjoy themselves in a safe and happy way until the early hours of the morning.

It is hoped that we will see this scheme replicated at other times of the year when there is a significant increase in people enjoying the night-time economy, not only in Chippenham but around the county.

Couns Peter and Teresa Hutton, Ricardo Road, Chippenham.