PRIVATE hire taxi firms in St Helens town centre have now got a direct radio link to local police thanks to the success of a project which has been operating under the Town Centre Pub Watch initiative.

Private hire operators are responsible for ferrying large numbers of people from the town's pubs, clubs and bars, particularly late at night. Now, following a meeting with representatives from St Helens Council's Licensing Unit, Merseyside Police, the Town Centre Pub Watch Group and London Communications PLC (who supply and install the equipment) they are now linked to a radio system providing a vital communication link with other service providers and the police.

Working together

Councillor Mike Doyle Executive Member for Community Safety said: "This is another example of local agencies and the business community working together to develop safer working practices for those who provide a vital service particularly for the night time economy".

Inspector Peter Costello of Merseyside Police adds: "We are working with our partner agencies to ensure all residents, visitors and businesses enjoy a night out in St Helens in safety. The radio link system provides not only reassurance but improved communication between the private hire firms, licensees and the police, helping to promote a safer town centre".