AN initiative has been launched in Basildon aimed at protecting young people from the danger of their drinks being spiked while they are out enjouying themselves.

The Safer Basildon organisation, a partnership between Basildon Council and statutory services including Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue, has purchased and distributed 12,500 drinks protectors to 25 licensed premises across the borough.

The move is to support the '#SeeYouSafer campaign', which is targeted at young adults with the aim to raise awareness of and help protect against the dangers that exist on a night out.

Other personal safety materials including drink testing kits, and reusable cup and bottle toppers, have also been distributed on the partnership's behalf by Essex Police to nightclub-goers outside Unit 7 over the last few weekends following a recent incident of spiking.

The remaining materials purchased will be distributed by Safer Basildon at borough pop-up events over the coming months.

Chairman of the Basildon Council's enforcement and public order committee and leader of Basildon Council, Cllr Andrew Baggott said: "It's sad but necessary that campaigns like these need to exist, but we're glad to be supporting it to help keep our borough's young people safe.

"When out with friends, make sure to look after each other and that everyone is having a good time. Don't accept drinks from strangers, don't leave your drink out of sight, and once the night is done, use a licensed vehicle to take you home.

"Look out for details about Safer Basildon's upcoming pop-up events, where you can get lots of information and advice from our partners and where more of these really useful safety materials will be distributed."