SEVERAL business owners in Cirencester have promised to help vulnerable people in times of need. 

Boots and Costa Coffee in Cricklade Street are among 14 venues in the Cotswold capital which have signed up to the Safe Places Scheme after a visit from the police cadets on Monday, March 25.

The scheme offers anyone who might feel anxious, scared or at risk when they are out in public a network of places to take refuge and seek support.

All the participating establishments have Safe Places logo stickers stuck to a visible entry point.  

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: All the participating businesses have a Safe Place logo sticker visible on the venue's entrance All the participating businesses have a Safe Place logo sticker visible on the venue's entrance (Image: Glos Police)

Staff members at the venues involved will be able to provide support by making phone calls to a friend, family member or the emergency services.

Anyone with a learning disability, sensory impairment, autism, dementia, mental health problems, physical disabilities or at risk of domestic abuse have been encouraged to apply for a membership card or download the app which shows Safe Spaces nearby.

If there are no Safe Places within a 15-minute walk, the app will automatically offer to call the police on 101.

Cotswolds Police and Cotswold District Council have been working together to help relaunch this initiative in Cirencester and intend to roll it out across the rest of the district. 

Sergeant Andy Miller, from Cotswolds Police, said: “The Safe Places scheme is a great initiative and we are proud to support it.

"The response by Cirencester businesses has been fantastic and demonstrates what an inclusive town it is.

“Many vulnerable people may feel isolated and scared to venture into the community, so having places of refuge and people to help them if they need it, will make all the difference.

“We are looking forward to rolling this scheme out across the Cotswolds, giving even more people the confidence to live independent lives and feel connected to their community.”

Sarah Clifton-Gould, CDC's community wellbeing officer, said: “It’s been wonderful working with our local police, and businesses, to bring back the Safe Places scheme to the Cotswold district.  

"If you’re interested in offering a safe place at your venue, please contact us for more information."

For more information about the scheme visit safeplaces.org.uk