Posted: Thu 18th Dec 2014

Emergency Services In Wrexham Prepared For ‘Mad’ Friday

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 18th, 2014

The festive season is upon us and tomorrow sees one of the most popular nights in the festive calender, with party-goers expected to descend on the town for ‘Mad’ Friday.

Commonly known as ‘Mad Friday’, ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Festive Friday’, the date signifies the last Friday before the festive Period; and for many it is the final day of work before Christmas.

In Wrexham, the Wrexham Community Safety partnership have launched their annual Think Safe, Drink Safe campaign in a bid to promote safe and responsible drinking, and prevent and reduce levels of alcohol fuelled violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the county borough.

The Trust, along with North Wales Police, British Red Cross, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and Wrexham Street Pastors will be working together to ensure that people are safe and feel safe in Wrexham.

A welfare centre, operated by BCUHB with support from the British Red Cross, will be operating from the Victoria Youth Centre on Hill Street on Friday (and on December 20, 26, 27 and 31, and January 2) from 10pm-4am offering shelter, basic first aid and a warm place to recover from the effects of too much alcohol.

Sonia Thompson, the Trust’s Interim Head of Operations for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area, said: “This time of the year traditionally sees a surge in demand for our services with additional pressure on ambulance crews and Clinical Contact Centre staff.

“We know that everyone wants to enjoy themselves and spend time with work colleagues and friends, but while we are dealing with alcohol-related incidents, we could be delayed in treating someone with a more serious or life-threatening condition.

“Parties and get-togethers are a big feature of this time of year, so we are asking the public to drink responsibly and enjoy themselves safely.

“The safest way to enjoy alcohol is not to drink on an empty stomach, and alternate water and soft drinks with alcoholic ones. Please look after your friends and make sure that you have planned a way of getting home at the end of your night out.”

Over the next few days there will be an increase in the number of officers on patrol will be a number of Special Constables who will provide a visible and reassuring presence for party-goers.

North Wales Police are also advising for people to only call 999 for emergencies. Last year the Force received 7,816 calls during the one week festive period (24th December 2013 – 1st January 2014) including emergency and non-emergency calls.

Patrol Sgt Kalum Davies at Rhyl Police Station said: “The Friday before Christmas has been sometimes unfairly labeled by some as ‘Mad Friday’ with pubs, bars and clubs are often packed with people celebrating their break-up for the festive period.

“This means it is also a very busy time for the emergency services. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and stay safe in our towns and villages. We know that over this period, people tend to drink more than normal and our message is a very simple one ‘don’t overdo it, look after yourself and each other, and make sure you get home safely.

“We would also encourage people to drink responsibly and be mindful that excessive drinking can affect behaviour and lead to serious consequences. We want to send out a clear warning that anyone behaving irresponsibly will be dealt with quickly, as anti-social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated.

“Have a happy and safe Christmas but respect others and ensure everyone one gets home safely.”



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