Merseyside Police has worked alongside LCR Pride Foundation and Liverpool City Council to introduce a number of new security measures to the city’s vibrant Pride Quarter.
The changes include the introduction of the UK’s first designated ‘rainbow taxi rank’ as well as new signage featuring LGBTQ-inclusive symbols, improved CCTV and lighting, and increased police engagement with the community and businesses.
The security measures form part of LCR Pride Foundation’s ‘You’re Safe Here’ scheme, which aims to help businesses and venues throughout Liverpool become LGBTQ-friendly safe spaces.
The initiative aims to deter crime and protect Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community.
The move comes after Liverpool secured Purple Flag status for a 14th year in a row, an accreditation awarded to towns and cities that achieve a high standard of excellence in the management and safety of their night-time economy.
LCR Pride Foundation CEO Andi Herring said: “The Pride Quarter’s new Rainbow Taxi Rank is just one of the new measures being put in place to help people feel safe and comfortable in and around the Pride Quarter, but also to remind people that there are support services out there that can help them if they are feeling unsafe.
“Being able to see LGBTQ-friendly symbols is part and parcel of making sure that everyone can feel safe and that the Pride Quarter can instil its identity in the city centre”.
Sergeant Craig Winstanley from Merseyside Police said: “We want residents and visitors to Liverpool’s Pride Quarter to feel safe at all times, so we are proud to be working in partnership with Liverpool City Council and LCR Pride Foundation to implement these new measures. Following a successful funding bid, the new taxi rank and safety measures will support the city’s day and night-time economy and play a part in making the area a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
“Criminal activity and serious violence will not be tolerated, and we take every report very seriously. These new measures, alongside our regular walkabouts and visible hotspot patrols in the area, aim to provide reassurance to members of the public and prevent crime.”
For more information you can visit: https://youresafehere.info/
Featured image: Liverpool drag queen Lady Sian with representatives at the new rainbow taxi rank (photo: Merseyside Police).
