An increased safety campaign across the Ashby area has been launched ahead of the European Football Championships.

A knife arch, security inspections and a drink drive initiative are all part of the Safer Summer campaign.

This is aimed at helping people enjoy safer nights out over the Euros.

The Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership's Safer Summer campaign brings together a number of organisations including North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

In a campaign that tackles all elements of safety on a night out, Security Industry Authority (SIA) inspections will check the credentials and behaviour of door security staff across the district.

NWLDC has also increased the amount of anti-spiking equipment for bottles and glasses available for people to pick up free from licensed premises in Ashby, Coalville and some surrounding villages.

Three years ago, a police dispersal order was put in place around Ashby town centre following disturbances during the Euros.

It also follows a successful Safer Nights campaign in Ashby around 18 months ago.

A knife arch - a walkthrough metal detector aimed at combatting knife crime - will be deployed at undisclosed locations over the summer.

To improve the rapid response available for people on nights out, NWLDC will be providing bleed control kits and training to all key licensed premises in Ashby and Coalville town centres.

Licensed taxis will also undergo spot checks to ensure that they are safe for customers and an increase in CCTV hours across the district will be used to expand visual surveillance on streets.

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at NWLDC, said: "It is important that everyone in North West Leicestershire is safe whilst watching the Euros and on any night out in our district.

 "To help stay safe, plan your nights ahead, books taxis home in advance, stay with your friends and be aware of the schemes that are on offer such as Ask Angela and the Keep Safe Places.

"We take public safety seriously and we will be working hard to protect North West Leicestershire's residents, communities and businesses."

Sergeant Joe Postlethwaite from North West Leicestershire Neighbourhood Policing Area, said: "Local officers are taking a pro-active approach to policing during the Safer Summer campaign.

"We understand that people will want to actively support their teams onto victory and celebrate the summer with family and friends.

 "Our planned policing activities are designed to enable people to do that, but also focus on matters that can cause serious harm and misery at what should be a time of celebration.

"Knife crime and drink driving have the ability to ruin lives in an instant and we hope to prevent that from happening.

"We are delighted to work closely alongside valued partners in a joint team effort to enable everyone to enjoy the summer."

Kate Zamani, the Chair of Pubwatch said: "The 'Safer Summer' campaign is an essential initiative that ensures our community can safely enjoy the Euros.

"By implementing key measures such as knife arches, enhanced anti-spiking equipment, and rigorous security inspections, this campaign addresses the key aim which is to keep people safe when they are on their night out.

"The collaborative efforts of the Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership, including NWLDC and Leicestershire Police, demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to keeping our community safe while allowing everyone to fully enjoy the festivities.

"Ashby-de-la-Zouch Pubwatch fully supports these efforts and is dedicated to fostering a secure and enjoyable environment for all."

The campaign breaks down like this:

• Security Industry Authority (SIA) inspections

Officers from SIA will be checking the credentials of security staff at pubs and clubs around North West Leicestershire.

They will be checking that security are wearing their badges and are acting in a manner in accordance with their permission.

• Purchase of bleed kits for key licensed premises in Ashby and Coalville

Bleed-control kits, which include tourniquets, bandages and gels, could prevent people from bleeding to death while paramedics get to the scene. Someone could bleed out in 3-5 minutes if it is not attended to - these kits could be lifesaving. 

• Taxi operation

NWLDC Licensing officers will be checking taxis to ensure tyres, seat belts, lights and wipers all working.

They will also be checking for basic defects and checking that the driver has their badge.

• Drink drive campaign

Leicestershire Police will be carrying out roadside breath tests to ensure safety on the roads.

• Knife Arch

This is a walkthrough metal detector which will be deployed at undisclosed locations, aimed at combatting knife crime and other lethal weapon attacks.

• Combatting drink spiking

Anti-drink spiking devices will be issued to pubs and clubs in the district. Anyone can request either bottle stops or drink spiking test kits at the bar.

• Increased CCTV

Visual surveillance will be increased across the district so that streets will be monitored for an increased amount of time.

• Ask Angela

Anyone who feels unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking for 'Angela'.

This will indicate to the staff that someone needs help and a trained member of staff will then support and assist them by reuniting them with their friend, seeing them to a taxi or calling venue security/police.

• Keep Safe Place

A Keep Safe Place give you somewhere safe to go if you're feeling upset, scared or need help call or help you call someone (e.g. a friend, carer, relative, police or emergency services).