Green councillors have called on the successful pilot of the Safe Square to be made permanent.
The call comes in an amendment to Labour group’s motion of “Reaffirming Sheffield’s Commitment To Tackling Violence Against Women And Girls And Supporting the White Ribbon Campaign.”
The Safe Square was a pilot of a night-time safe space (10pm-5am) including medical assistance, phone charging, advice and signposting and assistance getting home if needed on Friday and Saturday evenings. It was originally located in Leopold Square, and was moved after feedback to Barkers Pool.
The Safe Square was well received, with positive feedback in the review from women welcoming it as “providing a comfort and a support network for those out in the city centre” and providing an “extra feeling of security”, as well as praise from businesses in the night time economy, the police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
The pilot recently ended after the latest round of funding finished.
City ward councillor Martin Phipps said,
“The Safe Square was an important addition to the city centre, providing a long called for safe space offering support getting home, charging your phone and medical assistance.
“Alongside saving police time and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service money, women in the review said its presence made them feel safer on a night out.
“It’s really critical we get a permanent Safe Square back up and running as soon as possible ahead of the busy festive period, working with partners to fund it and maximise its positive impact.”