Lewisham’s night life has been praised as the authority pledges to make the borough safer for women and girls by signing up to the Mayor of London’s Women’s Night Safety Charter.

It includes seven pledges hoped to improve women’s safety and perception of safety at night.

It also sets out guidance for venues, operators, charities and businesses to improve safety at night for women as well as better training of staff, encouraging the reporting of harassment, and ensuring public spaces are safe.

Cabinet Member for culture, jobs and skills, Cllr Andre Bourne, said the council will now work with businesses to fulfill its pledges.

He said: “It’s important that women feel able to enjoy their nights out and this is why we have proudly signed up to the Mayor of London’s Women’s Night Safety Charter. We will work with local businesses to foster an environment for women where they can enjoy everything that Lewisham has to offer safely.”

This came when the Mayor of London’s Night Czar, Amy Lame, was in Lewisham to meet with business owners and staff over the weekend.

She joined councillors in a visit to the Albany Theatre, Deptford Does Art cafe bar and art gallery, and the Model Market which specialises in independent street food.

She also visited staff at Lewisham Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department and Catford Mews – a new development that houses community activity spaces, cocktails and the first multi-screen cinema to be opened in Lewisham for a generation.

She said: “London’s future as a 24-hour city is bright and that is as true in Lewisham’s dynamic high streets and town centres as in the West End.

“My Night Surgeries are an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from local business owners, night workers and residents about how we can make London a city that works for everyone at night.”

Cllr Bourne said the borough’s night time entertainment was thriving and growing.

“The borough’s vast eclectic mix of bars, pubs, restaurants, film and music venues are seeing greater numbers of people choosing to spend their evenings and nights out here,” he added.