SHOPPERS in the town centre on Saturday were given a reminder of the dangers of excessive drinking.

A roadshow was held at Wharf Green by members of the police, fire service and council health officials to warn people of the dangers of driving while under the influence over the Christmas period.

The impact of driving when drunk or after taking drugs was shown through displays, including a car which had been involved in a crash.

As well as the dangers of being out on the road while over the alcohol limit, the increased risks in the home over the festive period were also highlighted.

With the town full of Christmas shoppers, there was a lot of interest so the organisers hope they have been able get the message across.

PC Alan Kyne, from the road safety team, said: “It’s the time of the year when people let their standards drop when it comes to having a drink.

“People go out on more social occasions than they normally would and may not consider the real dangers.

“One of the bigger risks is the next morning, when someone may still be over the alcohol limit but not realise it.

“We have had one man already come over and say he walked into town because he wasn’t sure if he was under the limit from the night before. “He did the right thing.”

The display of a car smashed up from a crash proved a major draw for passers-by and is a key tool for getting the message across.

“This is a car which was involved in a crash and gets our point across far better than I or any officer could just standing in front of someone, telling them about the risks, could do,” said PC Kyne.

“These events are good because you get direct feedback from people and hopefully we can help them to be safe.”

Officers from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue were also on hand, warning people about the dangers in the home, which also increase at Christmas.

Denise Holmes, from the community safety department, said: “The are a number of risks, such as faulty Christmas lights and people use a lot more candles at this time of year so there is a much bigger risk.

“We are warning people to be careful when they drink.

“There is an obvious danger if someone has a drink and then falls asleep when there are lit candles around.

“We just ask people to make sure they are safe and have smoke detectors.”