A TAXI firm has promised to take Teesside University students in a vulnerable situation home even if they do not have the money to pay for it.

Boro Taxis, one of the largest private hire firms in the North-East, has made the pledge in after signing up to a scheme that helps ensure the safety of Teesside University students called Safe Spaces.

Only students who are in a vulnerable position, for example if they are being threatened or abused or have been the victim of theft, can expect special help from the taxi drivers.

Safe Spaces is run by Teesside University Students’ Union, along with other agencies including Cleveland Police and Safe in Tees Valley.

It involves scheme members displaying special stickers alerting students which Middlesbrough bars, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment venues will offer them a safe haven if they find themselves feeling vulnerable or threatened.

Now students, or the venues they seek refuge in, can contact Boro Taxis to make sure that they get home safe and sound.

Mohammed Bashir, Founder of Boro Taxis, said: “Boro Taxis is proud to support an initiative that helps protect young people by ensuring that they get home safely if they ever find themselves in a risky situation.”

Other participating businesses in Middlesbrough, including cafes and pubs, display the Safe Spaces logo and will call a taxi for students, offer help, call police for them or simply let them stay there until the problem passes.

More information on Safe Spaces can be found at tees-su.org.uk/safespaces/