Nottingham City Council is urging New Year revellers to stay safe as they mark the start of 2008 in a few days.

Nottingham City Council, together with the Police and the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue service, ensure Nottingham City’s licensed pubs, clubs, bars, private hire vehicles and Hackney Carriages (green London-style cabs) meet the legal requirements that protect everyone’s health, safety and well being.

Unfortunately some unscrupulous individuals still try to make a ‘quick buck’ by any means, from holding unlicensed and illegal events, to pretending to be a licensed taxi cab driver and often the public has very little comeback if, but usually when, things go wrong.

Unsurprisingly illegal events are usually held in unsuitable locations and buildings exposing the organisers and revellers to a large variety of unnecessary risks; such as electric shock from faulty wiring, crushing from overcrowding, increased fire risk with no fire precautions and inadequate means of escape, as well as assault, robbery and drink spiking. The loud music associated with these events can also cause a noise nuisance to many residents over a large area.

The Police and the City Council’s Noise and Pollution Control Team will be taking steps to prevent such illegal events in the city this New Year’s Eve, and encourage anyone who may be thinking of attending or organising one to make other plans. Party-goers are also urged to pre-book private hire taxis and ensure these, hackney carriages and their drivers are displaying a valid licence.

Noise and Pollution Control Team Leader Richard Taylor said:

"New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and many people will be going out to welcome the New Year in. The City Council wants everyone to have an enjoyable New Years Eve and has done what it can to ensure one. It’s now up to those of us planning a night out to remember to drink responsibly, pre-book private hire taxis or use a hackney carriage, enjoy the City’s licensed venues and stay safe this New Year’s Eve."

Inspector Richard Iles, City Centre Local Area Commander, said:

"We want people to be safe when they go out to celebrate the New Year. By planning where you are going, how you are getting home, and remaining with friends in busy areas will help ensure your night is thoroughly enjoyable.

"We recommend you don’t carry too much cash or personal possessions that are valuable to you. Only take out the money you need. Make sure you don’t take out anything that is impossible to replace."

New Year revellers are reminded that a spectacular fireworks display is planned above Nottingham Castle from midnight on December 31st. The City Council is staging the pyrotechnics show which will be viewable from a number of different vantage points around the city, including the Old Market Square, though the Castle grounds themselves will be closed to the public.