CHRISTMAS party-goers in Dunfermline will have a safe area to go to over the festive period.

It will be in operation on every Friday and Saturday night in the run-up to Christmas, starting tonight (Friday).

The safe zone based at Dunfermline Advice Hub on Douglas Street will provide a drop-in venue for people on a night out in the town centre if they are separated from friends, suffering effects from excessive alcohol consumption or requiring minor medical assistance.

It will be open from 10pm to 5am, with the last admission at 4.30am.

Constable Davey Moffatt, of Fife Division's interventions team, said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and we are proud to once again be involved in an initiative that shows how different organisations can work together to achieve this.

“We hope that people won’t need to use the services at the Dunfermline Safe Zone and will keep themselves safe on their night out.

“However, by having a fully-staffed facility we hope to provide some reassurance that we can offer help if anyone finds themselves in a difficult situation.

“The Safe Zone is a collaborative effort that would not be possible without the efforts of our partner agencies and the good people at Dunfermline Advice Hub and Furniture Plus who have kindly donated the use of their premises.”

The idea is a direct response to the risks of over-consumption of alcohol, which can increase peoples’ vulnerability, and their chance of becoming a victim of crime.

The Scottish Ambulance Service, Fife Council, Fife Alcohol Support Services, British Red Cross, Dunfermline Delivers, Dunfermline Street Pastors and West Fife Neighbourhood Watch have joined up with Police Scotland to provide this safe area for party-goers.

The safe zone is open on Friday, 8, 15 and 22, and Saturday, 9, 16 and 23.