A campaign to help keep people safe on a night out is coming to clubs and bars in Huddersfield town centre.

Anyone who finds themselves in a difficult or intimidating situation can seek help from bar staff and “ask for Angela.”

Staff at venues operating the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme will offer discreet support without making a fuss. This may include calling a taxi or helping the person find a friend or leave the premises. In more serious situations, they will call the police.

Student Union-associated venues in Huddersfield – Five Bar, Revolution, The Cherry Tree, Camel Club, The Lord Wilson, Maverick’s 80s Lounge and The Parish – are amongst the ‘Ask for Angela’ safety venues already signed up and it’s hoped more will follow.

Clr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for learning, aspiration and communities, said: “With people returning to local bars and clubs following the pandemic, the increased use of dating apps where first dates may not go well, and nationally reported spiking incidents on the news, more people might have concerns about their safety.

“Ask for Angela is a very simple, yet effective, scheme that helps support and reassure people if they are feeling vulnerable or threatened while on a night out.

“It ensures any person who feels unsafe in a venue, for whatever reason, can approach staff for assistance without making themselves more vulnerable.

“I’m pleased many venues in Kirklees are already supporting the campaign and would like to encourage venues who aren’t aware of ‘Ask for Angela’ to find out more as we continue to work together to keep our communities safe.”

Jordan Clark, general manager of Five Bar in Huddersfield, said: “Hopefully with a collective effort across Kirklees we can clamp down on the national problem the country is facing with spiking.

“We want people to feel safe whilst inside our venue and will do whatever it takes to ensure that.”

Local venues supporting the campaign will display posters on their premises in discreet areas like bathrooms as well as on social media platforms so customers are aware they can use the scheme.

Originally launched in Lincolnshire in 2016, the national campaign is once again being pushed out across the UK in the wake of recent high-profile incidents on the national news.