A GROUND-breaking project aimed at easing booze-related violence and injuries is being launched in Bournemouth town centre.

Hospital admissions and assaults increase during the height of the summer season every year.

So Bournemouth council is putting a “Safebus” on the streets to help reduce the pressure on police and accident and emergency departments.

Volunteers will man the bus and will offer first aid, help and advice, such as ensuring vulnerable people know how to get home safely.

“It will be a safe haven in the town for people to go to who are lost, vulnerable, injured or in need of a bit of help,” said Sian Jenkins, Bournemouth council Partnership Officer.

“We are trying to find a way to help people without them needing to go to hospital or the cells.”

The bus will be parked in Glen Fern Road on Friday and Saturday nights from July 24 until August 31.

A number of professionals will be on board, including police and ambulance representatives.

But Sian said volunteer members of the public are also needed to ensure the project gets off the ground.

They must be over 18 and able to give advice. No experience is necessary but all will need to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

The more people that come forward, the fewer nights they will be asked to cover.

Anyone interested is asked to call Sian on 01202 454797 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.

l Bournemouth is also to be given a share of government cash to crack down on teenage summer binge drinking.

It is one of 69 youth crime priority areas named by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and is likely to receive around £20,000 for measures to tackle alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and youth crime.