The night time economy is a key component of any thriving city and is particularly enjoyed by many young people. It is equally important to make sure people can enjoy themselves in our City centre whilst keeping any trouble to a minimum. We spent Friday night in Chichester with a fabulous group of volunteers called Chichester City Angels.
The group was established about five years ago and has 70 volunteers who take it in turns to go out in teams on a Friday and Saturday night. They are usually in the City centre from about 10pm til the early hours around 2.30am. They have an established base in a van outside the courthouse from which they serve hot chocolate, coffee, tea and water to young people who need a rest from the more alcoholic drinks they have imbibed. They even stock flip flops which are a godsend to any girls wearing new shoes or heels! The City Angels van also serves as a useful meeting place for friends who have been separated or people who need help.
The evening started with some training and then we set off in pairs around the City centre calling in at the various bars and clubs to check in with the security staff and find out how the night was going….how busy they were and if there had been any signs of trouble. Radios are used by all security staff, CCTV operators and City Angels volunteers who stay in touch to make sure they spot any potential issues and act swiftly. Whilst walking around, the City Angel teams also pick up any discarded bottles or glasses to remove any potential future hazards.
It is a wonderful service and parents can take comfort that there is a helping hand to make sure young people can enjoy their night out with a friendly face on standby to help if needed. Since the City Angels have been guarding Chichester the crime rate has reduced by 50% on a Friday and Saturday night and violent crime is down by 80% proving how effective preventive action is.