Bar’s free flip-flops help revellers home (From Echo)

Bar’s free flip-flops help revellers home

9:30am Monday 23rd January 2012 in Rayleigh / Rochford By Laura Smith

PARTY bags with a difference will be handed out to female clubbers to help them get home safely.

The bags will contain a personal defence alarm, a bottle of mineral water and a pair of one-size-fits-all flip-flops.

They are being given to women leaving the Pink Toothbrush, Rayleigh, and other venues across the Rochford district.

Tracey Schneider, Rochford Council’s domestic abuse reduction adviser, said: “It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a night out dancing without giving a thought to what happens when the music stops.

“Each of the items in the bag has been included to ensure clubbers can get home safely and without injury.

“The flip-flops, for example, will prevent women from having to walk home barefoot because their feet are too sore for their shoes. They could mean the difference between getting home safely or ending up in A&E with cut and bleeding feet.”

Charley Horne, from the Pink Toothbrush, said the venue did not hesitate when it was asked to distribute the bags.

She said: “The safety of our patrons is paramount, both when they are enjoying themselves on the premises, and as they leave.

“Over the 30 years we’ve been in Rayleigh, we’ve often worked with the council, police and others to help create a safe night-time leisure environment in the town.

“I see these initiatives as providing further assurance to people so they can safely enjoy themselves here.”

Barmaid and part-time glamour model Karina Ramsey, 26, of St Marks Field, Rochford, likes the idea.

She said: “So many of my friends take flip-flops out or plimsoll shoes or some just take their shoes off and walk barefoot.

“I wouldn’t do that myself. I think the flip-flops idea is great.

“You do see broken glass, especially in Southend High Street.

“A water bottle is a good idea too. After a night out you always want a bottle of water.”

The bags are provided by Rochford District Community Safety Partnership, made up of the police, Rochford District Council, Essex County Council, NHS South East Essex, the fire service and the probation service.

It is also distributing about 5,000 copies of a pocket-sized guide called Stay Safe, which has advice on how to stay alert and look out for friends.

Jo McPherson, vice chairman of the probation service and Rochford district councillor responsible for young people, said: “Even though we are a safe, low-crime district, it is important people take personal safety seriously and know how to take care of themselves, and their friends.”

Edward Hobbs, chairman of Rochford District Youth Council, said: “We’re happy to sponsor the Stay Safe leaflet, which raises awareness of health issues for young people across the Rochford district and promotes keeping young people safe when out and about.”