The crumpled remains of a car wrecked in a road collision was the arresting sight driving home a safety message in Hitchin town centre.

The Comet: Blue Light safety event in Hitchin Market PlaceBlue Light safety event in Hitchin Market Place (Image: Archant)

Crew members from North Hertfordshire’s emergency services and representatives of the North Herts Community Safety Partnership joined forces in Market Place to stage the ‘blue light event’ aiming to highlight the dangers of drink driving, failing to buckle up or using a mobile phone while at the wheel.

There was also advice about displaying Christmas lights, decorations and candles safely and Hitchin’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams answered questions about crime prevention. North Herts District Council’s waste team were on-hand to answer any questions about recycling giving away free gifts to the public.

Councillor Tony Hunter, the council’s portfolio holder for community engagement, said: “Christmas holidays are a time of celebration but we still need to remain vigilant about issues like road safety, and safety at home.

“The blue light event is a great way of making the services more accessible to the public, addressing their concerns and offering sound advice face-to-face.”

Sgt Richard Wilmot of the North Herts community safety team added: “It’s important to not forget to keep ourselves and others safe whilst enjoying the festive period. As well as having the chance to speak to local people about issues that were concerning them, the event was a good way to remind everyone about the dangers of drink driving, the importance of securing houses and personal property from would-be thieves and to keep safe when out and about by drinking responsibly.”

The North Herts Community Safety Partnership is made up of a number of different organisations including North Herts District Council, Herts Fire and Rescue Service, Herts Police, Herts County Council trading standards and North Hertfordshire Homes.