A late-night bus service for pub and clubgoers in Norwich may be extended across the UK if it proves successful in helping to save lives.
Education minister David Blunkett has leant his support to the scheme, which employs a special SOS bus to ensure that revellers are not left stranded in city centres late at night. On board are specially trained staff who can deal with any drink or drug related illness or violence.
The bus is part of a wider scheme to reduce drink-related problems in Norwich and ultimately save lives after three young people died earlier this year following a night out in Norwich's pubs and clubs.
A team drove the bus to Brighton for the Labour Party Conference to highlight to the Government how it has helped to save lives and reduce drink-related crime and disorder.
They are hoping that the Government will invest £200,000 so that the bus can be funded for an extra two years.
Colin Lang, community safety officer for Norfolk Police told thePublican.com that the bus scheme had proved extremely successful so far, both in combating violence and in ensuring that young people who have missed the last bus or train service home are not left alone in town at night.
"It's the first bus of its kind but we are hoping that its success will lead other city centres to follow our lead. There should be a bus like this in every town.
"The best thing is that it has been brought about by licensees in the town who wanted to do something to help young people who might be in danger after a night out," he said.
In it's first three months, 219 people approached the bus for help. Some fear for their safety, others have been attacked and need emergency treatment, while a few are just plain drunk.
"We have had a couple of instances where people are just trying to get a free ride home and aren't in any danger," Mr Lang said. "But there's always a member of staff on board who will recognise someone who has been on the bus before and is just trying to pull the wool over our eyes.
"We also have two security staff who interact with the team so if things get violent they can help out."