BODY cameras are set to be used by Community Support workers across South Ayrshire this festive period.

With the festive season approaching, South Ayrshire Safety Partnership has launched a new initiative ‘Festive Safer Streets’ to ensure local areas and town centres are safe and attractive places to socialise in during the Christmas and new year period.

On duty police officers will be accompanied by South Ayrshire Community Support Workers that will be wearing the body cameras for the first very first time. The cameras will be in operation when patrolling the streets and are aiming to capture any anti-social behaviour as well as less serious incidents such as littering and dog fouling, all in an aim to keep streets cleaner and safer.

The initiative is already underway and will remain in place throughout all of December and continue throughout the new year period until January 6 to make sure members of the public can enjoy the festive period.

Furthermore, the council have again put in place taxi marshals that will be operating on Boswell Street to make sure people get back to their homes safely. St Andrews first aiders and Street pastors will also be commuting throughout the Ayr and Prestwick areas to assist anyone who may require it.

South Ayrshire’s Council’s main representative for the community safety partnership has explained these steps have been taken so that members of the community can have an enjoyable and relaxed time over the festivities.

She said: “These measures are in place to ensure locals and visitors enjoy everything our towns have to offer during the festive season.

“The streets will be much busier, so the increased patrols are a reassuring presence for most people. South Ayrshire is a great place to be especially during the festive season and I hope everyone has a brilliant time but stays safe."

Chief Inspector Derek Frew, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership said: "Festive Safer Streets is a multi-agency initiative aimed at keeping everyone safe whether you are Christmas shopping or celebrating the season with a night out.

“My officers will have a more visible presence in towns throughout South Ayrshire and we will be working with partners with the aim of preventing incidents and allowing everyone to enjoy this busy time of year.

“I would encourage friends, family and colleagues to look out for each other on nights out and ensure everyone gets home safely.”