A TAXI marshalling scheme is set to return to one of the borough’s top nightspots for the festive season.

Basildon Community Safety Partnership has funded the return of two taxi marshals at the Festival Leisure Park to ensure visitors get into taxis safely.

They will be at the Festival Leisure Park throughout December on the 19th, 20th, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th and 31st.

Cllr Tony Hedley, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “We're very aware at this time of year, when people are out enjoying themselves it can get extremely busy at taxi ranks.

“The taxi marshals will be on hand to ensure that queuing and accessing taxis are hassle free and safe for people when they are ready to make their way home.

“We know from previous experience that the marshals provide a strong visual presence with the effect of increasing public confidence and reassurance."

Eyewitness Protection will provide Security Industry Agency (SIA) accredited marshals, who will be responsible for maintaining an orderly queue at the on-site taxi rank throughout the night, assisting people to access taxis quickly and get home safely.