An app designed to keep people safe on nights out needs funding for a county-wide rollout, an Accrington night patrol group says.

ACT Street Angels want the app WalkSafe localised with more detail for Lancashire towns, with a map displaying patrollers’ locations and more safe spaces.

Currently in Lancashire, WalkSafe’s map only marks train stations along with brief safety information – although it does feature an SOS button so you can alert friends when in danger.

A bid in the region of £12,000 was rejected by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) leaving the charity looking for alternative investment.

Estimates say the scheme would cost £10,000 for every big town.

“It would reduce crime quite simply,” Paul Gabriel from ACT Street Angels said.

The Accrington man wants authorities in the region to follow in the footsteps of Leeds City Council’s move to partner with WalkSafe in late 2023.

Paul said: “Where this is working in Leeds, they have documented evidence of at least six women who have been saved from serious assault because they have been able to go to a safe place.

“And that’s only been running for less than a year.

“To me it’s a no-lose situation.”

The group is using Accrington to test how useful displaying each street angel’s live location on the map is, with the hope of other towns following suit.

Paul said: “It’s been working well, I know a lot of parents have insisted their children have it, so they can keep track of where they are.”

Numerous police officers reportedly support a localised WalkSafe for its crime-reduction qualities, despite the PCC’s funding rejection.

The funding would also provide training in ‘Ask for Angela’ and ‘Active Bystander’ for bar staff, which prevent dangerous situations getting worse.

People who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. 

A spokesperson for the PCC said: “All applications to the Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund are reviewed and evaluated by an internal board.

“All applicants receive feedback and, where appropriate, ongoing engagement to support future bids.”