A new code word is being promoted within a safety campaign to help make Preston city centre safer.

Local pubs, bars and clubs have joined up with Preston BID, Lancashire Constabulary and UCLan‘s outlets to promote a safety in the city initiative.

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‘Ask for Angela’ is a scheme, which operates nationally, encouraging anyone who may feel uncomfortable, unsafe or vulnerable while out in the city centre to ask for ‘Angela’.

Situations could range from people meeting in person for the first time, predominantly, after making contact through online dating websites and apps, feeling unsafe due to excessive alcohol consumption or concerned about being followed while walking through the city centre.

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If people do not feel comfortable or have received unwelcome advances, they can approach a member of staff in more than 50 establishments across the city centre to ask if ‘Angela’ is in.

Trained staff will then take them into to a safe area where they can explain their issue and get a taxi, friend or family member to pick them up.

The employee can then tell the other person to leave or call police if they believe a criminal offence has occurred.

Mark Whittle, of Preston BID, said: “Preston is an award-winning night time destination with a strong reputation as a safe and welcoming place. ‘Ask for Angela’ is a joint scheme to further build this reputation.

“It helps provide individuals with extra reassurance when choosing to socialise in our city centre.”

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Jen Coll, Preston Licensing and Neighbourhood PCSO at Lancashire Constabulary, added: “Our implementation of this idea comes after a successful pilot by the Safer Communities Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership in Lincolnshire.

“We hope that this scheme will give people the confidence to know that if something goes wrong on their date or if they are in a position where they feel unsafe, they can tell someone and get home safely.”

Lisa Banks, UCLan’s Director of Student Services, commented: “Student and staff safety is paramount to ensuring the UCLan community enjoys the great experiences on offer in Preston. To know anyone can ‘Ask for Angela’ in any pub, bar or club on route from the Campus, along Friargate and into the city centre is an added security measure that we’re delighted to support.”