BARNSLEY Council has vowed to keep women and girls safe in the town centre following a pilot scheme which helped hundreds of night-time revellers in December.
Councillors will meet on Wednesday to discuss the Safe Spaces initiative, which took place on eight nights between 9pm and 3am.
Licensing officers - who spearheaded the project - will update councillors on its findings and provide a report which outlines plans to continue this year.
The council - who provided female-led safety teams at a pop-up hub on Cheapside - said the idea was formed in order to provide more safety to females and encourage more people into the town centre.
A report said: “The main aim of the Safe Spaces scheme was to improve the safety of women and girls within the evening and night-time economy.
“There was no criteria for women to access the space and anyone was welcome.
“Tea, coffee, flip-flops, a space to charge phones or wait for a taxi was provided as part of this facility.
“There was a female security guard present and two staff members from the community safety team - one of which was always a woman so there was a minimum of two females were present at any one time.
“Licensing officers will continue to proactively work with the licensed trade and other responsible authorities to support a safe night-time economy in the town centre.”
Both nationally and in Barnsley, the issue of spiking has worsened and a suspected rise in the number of incidents has led club bosses to introduce more stringent measures.
Ask for Angela, a campaign that started in 2016, is now commonly used by Barnsley bars and other venues to keep people safe by using a codeword to identify when they are in danger or are in an uncomfortable situation.
When an establishment uses this, a person who believes themselves to be in danger can ask for Angela, a fictitious member of the staff.
The staff will then help the person get home discreetly and safely by either escorting them to a different room, calling them a taxi and escorting them to it, or by asking the other party member to leave the establishment.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson added: “Everyone should be able to enjoy our night-time economy without the fear of being harmed.
“We are thoroughly investigating each and every incident reported to us.
“Please continue to report matters to us - we are here 24/7 to listen to you and support you.
“With information we can build up a picture of what’s happening and where, to trace those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Your information, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, could prove crucial.
“Patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to people enjoying a night out - if you see our officers, please do speak to them as they are there to help and support you.”
