Clacton to get SOS mobile unit for late night revellers

A project to help late night revellers who feel vulnerable, are drunk or have minor injuries, is to be introduced to an Essex town.

From January, an "SOS mobile unit" will be run in Clacton-on-Sea on Saturday nights by the drug and alcohol charity Open Road.

It is hoped the service will relieve pressure on police and ambulance crews as well as nearby hospitals.

The unit will be located in the town centre between 19:00 and 03:00.

The scheme, which will use a former police mobile unit, has been funded by Tendring District Council's Community Safety Partnership.

Its manager Leanne Thornton said a pool of volunteers had been lined-up to help run the unit.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted Open Road is on board and has agreed to manage the scheme on our behalf.

"They run the SOS Bus in Colchester which has been a huge success and their knowledge and experience will be invaluable."

It is hoped enough volunteers will be found to expand the service to Friday evenings as well.