Chris Henchliffe's mum urges nightspots to offer free soft drinks to cut booze-fuelled violence over Christmas

The mother of Chris Henchliffe has launched a campaign to cut alcohol-fuelled violence in Chesterfield over the festive period.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Dec 2016, 06:49 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 16:42 BST
Yvonne and Chris.Yvonne and Chris.
Yvonne and Chris.

Yvonne Henchliffe is urging bars and clubs in the town to offer free or cut-price soft drinks between the hours of 2am and 6am.

She wants revellers to drink less alcohol and help create a ‘safe environment’ as part of the campaign, which will run between December 12 and New Year’s Day.

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Former soldier and father Mr Henchliffe, 26, of Maynard Road, Chesterfield, died in hospital in July after an incident in the town centre during the early hours of the morning.

Our Stamp It Out campaign aims to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of anti-social behaviour in our communities, explore the causes and highlight what is being done to tackle the problem, urge people not to engage in the crime and call on residents to play their part by reporting it.Our Stamp It Out campaign aims to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of anti-social behaviour in our communities, explore the causes and highlight what is being done to tackle the problem, urge people not to engage in the crime and call on residents to play their part by reporting it.
Our Stamp It Out campaign aims to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of anti-social behaviour in our communities, explore the causes and highlight what is being done to tackle the problem, urge people not to engage in the crime and call on residents to play their part by reporting it.

Yvonne, 49, also of Maynard Road, is currently writing to bar and club bosses about the campaign.

She said: “Having spoken to hundreds of people, there is definitely a fear that Chesterfield town centre is becoming a dangerous, violent place on Friday and Saturday nights, with alcohol-fuelled violence fast increasing.

“I hope Chesterfield’s bars and clubs will be willing to contribute in the campaign and take a shared responsibility in creating a safe environment for local people and visitors at night in the town centre.

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“We feel the campaign would remind people of the damaging effects of alcohol-related violence and staying safe on a night out.”

Our Stamp It Out campaign aims to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of anti-social behaviour in our communities, explore the causes and highlight what is being done to tackle the problem, urge people not to engage in the crime and call on residents to play their part by reporting it.Our Stamp It Out campaign aims to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of anti-social behaviour in our communities, explore the causes and highlight what is being done to tackle the problem, urge people not to engage in the crime and call on residents to play their part by reporting it.
Our Stamp It Out campaign aims to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of anti-social behaviour in our communities, explore the causes and highlight what is being done to tackle the problem, urge people not to engage in the crime and call on residents to play their part by reporting it.

Yvonne also hopes bars and clubs will be willing to display posters promoting the campaign.

After Mr Henchliffe died, Yvonne described him as a ‘wonderful son’ who was a ‘marvellous daddy’ to his five-year-old boy.

She added: “He always kept any atmosphere alive with his cheeky grin and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.”

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She said she felt ‘unbelievable pain’ since losing her son and ‘doesn’t want Chris’s death to be a waste’.

• Benjamin Edwards, 21, of Fieldview Place, Chesterfield, has been charged with the manslaughter of Mr Henchliffe. Mr Edwards denies the charge and is due to stand trial at Nottingham Crown Court next May. Two other 24-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

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