A DRUNK man who spent nearly two hours hurling abuse at emergency services staff from the roof of an MP’s office in Chippenham was slapped with an adult caution after he fell through another roof leading to the back of the Black Horse pub.

The 24-year-old, who is barred from the lively pub in New Road, shouted at firefighters trying to help him at 2.25am on Saturday before jumping onto, and falling partly through, a corrugated metal roof.

Dale Carter, the landlord of the Black Horse pub, said: “He is barred from the Black Horse so he went and got drunk elsewhere and

apparently on his way back he got into the walkway by the tattoo shop and up onto the roof.

“He was trying to get into the back of the pub via the old derelict function room. He was on top of the MP’s office roof and it is quite a way down. I had to call police but eventually he jumped down onto the function room roof, which is just a bit of corrugated metal supported by wooden beams and his feet went through it.”

The incident, which took place just two weeks before the annual celebration of the town’s Purple Flag status to honour the safe and thriving night-time economy, has been downplayed by the councillors and volunteers involved with the scheme.

Councillor Peter Hutton said: “One of the main achievements in Chippenham regarding the night-time economy has been its partnership working with the town council and Wiltshire Council along with the Police and Street Pastors as well other services which has led to the town achieving Purple Flag status.

“Any incident happening within the night-time economy is treated very seriously and all partners continue to work together to ensure we have a safe and welcoming town centre for both our local community and visitors.”

Michael Weeks, who regularly patrols the streets of Chippenham with the Street Pastors, added: “Instances like this are very few and far between and when we are out and about we rarely receive any abuse.

“The Purple Flag status only reiterates to people that we do have a good night-time economy and that in instances when things do go wrong, there are lots of people to help resolve those issues.”

Chippenham is only one of around 70 towns and cities across the country to have Purple Flag Status and the weekend celebrations, which will take place from October 6-8, will include a variety of activities from a colourful display to yarnbombing as well as a business breakfast.

For more information about the weekend visit www.chippenham.gov.uk/purple-flag-weekend-october-2017/