A VITAL initiative to keep night-time revellers safe has been extended to the South Side.

The Nitezone programme, which currently runs in three other city night spots, will now operate in Shawlands for a one-year trial.

The scheme uses police and marshals positioned at designated taxi ranks to help revellers get home and has previously run in the area during the festive season.

From September 4, the scheme will now run all year round on Friday and Saturday nights, similar to that operating in the west end, merchant city and the city centre.

Phil Walker, managing director for Community Safety Glasgow, which organises the Nitezone, said: “We are delighted that our partnership arrangements in Shawlands has led to the establishment of a Nitezone for the area.

"Nitezones in the city centre have proven extremely effective in assisting revellers to get home safely.

"I am sure that nightlife in Shawlands will benefit greatly from the addition of this new Nitezone."

Chief Inspector Carol McGuire, area commander for Glasgow South East, said: "We are pleased to support the extension of the Nitezone initiative into Shawlands.

"The initiative has been running for a number of years within Glasgow city centre and has been a factor in reducing violent crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.

“Police in the area will support the Nitezone, with our regular patrols in the areas to support Community Safety Glasgow staff and support the night time economy in Shawlands.”

The owner of South Side venues the Butterfly and The Pig and The Shed, Michele Pagliocca, donated £5,200 towards the scheme's £15,500 runnings costs.

Mr Pagliocca said there was "significant improvement" in the area when the scheme runs during the festive season, and added: "The presence of both taxi marshals and the police ensures a quicker dispersal of people from the town, reduces the volume of litter and makes the town and its night-time offerings a much safer and more attractive place to go."

He also said the programme would "no doubt benefit South Side residents, the community and local businesses."

The Shed has also launched another safety initiative - CHAT - to coincide with the Nitezone, further encouraging people to stay safe on nights out.

The campaign, which stands for Charge, Help, Aware, Talk, encourages people to use charging station at the club , talk to their friends and use the Nitezone to stay safe.

Mr Pagliocca said: "We all have a moral obligation, in one way or another, to protect and support vulnerable people so that no harm will come to them on a night-out.

"CHAT is our way of highlighting the importance of keeping in contact with friends and the measures we have in place to ensure people get home safely."