New Night-Time Economy Team launches as part of town centre partnership work
This winter, as our towns and villages prepare for the festive surge of shoppers, revellers and Christmas nightlife, St Helens Borough Council is proud to expand its safety efforts through the Safe Nights, Great Places initiative — beginning with the introduction of a brand-new "Night-Time Economy Team" dedicated to supporting safe and welcoming nights out across the borough.
Article date: 10 December 2025
A winter-ready nightlife: Night-Time Economy Team now on duty
In recognition of the increased footfall in town centres over the Christmas period, the council has commissioned a newly formed team of Night-Time Economy Team. These officers will work alongside existing partners — including venue staff, taxi marshals, licensed transport providers and Merseyside Police — to provide visible on-the-ground support at nights out, offering reassurance, guidance and a rapid response to issues as they occur. They also have phone chargers too so if you run out of charge, they can help.
Building on Safe Nights, Great Places: safety meets festive spirit
The Safe Nights, Great Places campaign - launched in August of this year - unites local businesses, the council as the licensing authority and the police to promote a lively, inclusive and secure night-time economy in St Helens.
Under the expanded winter plan:
- Licensed venues will continue to implement robust safety measures, including trained venue staff, taxi marshals, CCTV in taxis, and assistance points for vulnerable people.
- The safety of women and girls remains a priority, with ongoing lighting improvements, safe-home taxi initiatives, and support services available across the town centre.
- The borough's successful national accreditation — the Purple Flag — stands as a badge of the town's commitment to being a well-managed, inclusive night-time destination.
Partnership with national policing campaign: joining the Winter of Action
St Helens Borough Council's local efforts coincide with the national Winter of Action campaign, recently launched by the Home Office and police forces across England and Wales to crack down on town centre crime, anti-social behaviour and offences linked to the night-time economy during the busy Christmas and New Year period.
Through this coordinated approach, residents and visitors in St Helens will benefit from:
- Enhanced "hotspot" patrols and visible police presence at night, particularly around towns, retail centres and nightlife venues, as well as train, bus and taxi stations.
- Targeted action against shoplifting, street crime, antisocial behaviour and the serious issues of drink spiking and violence — with special attention to protecting women and girls.
- Strengthened links between police, local businesses, community organisations and licensing teams to underpin a safe and festive atmosphere across the borough.
A town centre for Christmas — safe, festive, and thriving
Councillor Trisha Long, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:
"This Christmas, St Helens Borough is more than ready to welcome you. With our new Night-Time Economy Team, the continuing work of the Night Time Economy Forum, and the backing of the Winter of Action — we're pulling out all the stops so people can enjoy a fun, festive night out feeling safe, supported and welcome."
So, whether you're planning a quiet meal, a lively night out with friends, or some festive shopping and entertainment — St Helens town centre is ready, and waiting to welcome you.
Staff in our licensed venues will now be wearing our new badge for the early evening and night time economy, a purple pin emblazoned with Safe Nights, Great Places, so look out for these.
For more information about the festive safety programme, to plan your night out, or to find out how venues can get involved — please visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/safenights.