Evenings spent in Folkestone can be better enjoyed by residents and visitors thanks to new measures introduced as part of the Safer Streets scheme.
Folkestone Connected is a town centre map project led by the district’s Community Safety Partnership, in collaboration with commercial organisations in the town.
Visitors will be able to access the map by scanning a QR code included on posters, leaflets and stickers displayed throughout the town centre.
The map includes information about nearby taxi ranks, defibrillators and places visitors can go if they feel vulnerable, unsafe or in danger.
Safer Streets funding, was awarded earlier this year following a joint bid by the Community Safety Partnership, Kent Police and the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and £271,351.60 was awarded by the Home Office to be spent over two years in Folkestone’s town centre.
As well as Folkestone Connected, the funding also enabled the CSP to launch a taxi marshall scheme in the town centre.
The scheme, which has been operating since April, has already been successful in supporting vulnerable people to get home safely.
The marshalls can be identified by their bright orange vests and work with door staff and various venues to help create a safe environment for everyone out socialising in the town.
They are out and about in the town centre between 10.30pm and 3:30am on Friday and Saturday nights.
Councillor Mike Blakemore, F&HDC Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration, said: “We want everyone to enjoy their night out in Folkestone town centre and hope these initiatives will provide peace of mind.”
"The projects aim to educate and empower visitors to the town centre, allowing them to enjoy what's on offer whilst feeling safe and secure.”
Detective Inspector James Wyles added: “The Safer Streets scheme is already helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Folkestone - for example, through enhanced CCTV monitoring - and we welcome the latest project, Folkestone Connected.”
“The digital tool will offer an easily-accessible and up-to-date information source for people who are out socialising to enjoy the town safely, and we’re pleased to be working as part of the Community Safety Partnership to deliver these strategies for the benefit of all.”
Matthew Scott, the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m so pleased Folkestone Connected has been launched. It’s a common sense approach which enables people enjoying a night-out to find their way home safely and with confidence.”
“The Safer Streets programme has undoubtedly made a difference to the area and I have no doubt this latest project will be a popular one.”
For more information about the Safer Streets projects including free training opportunities visit our website.