PEOPLE who find themselves needing support while out and about in Chippenham will now have designated ‘safe places’ in the town centre.

More than 20 businesses have signed up to the national Safe Places scheme to provide initial support to anyone who becomes upset or confused in their community, for example those with dementia, autism or anxiety.

It has been piloted in Wiltshire in Salisbury and Devizes and has now has received funding from the Wiltshire Police and Crime commissioner Angus Macpherson to help roll it out across the county.

Organisations who sign up are identified by a sticker in their window and their staff are given training to give a safe place to wait and be reassured. In case of emergencies contact cards are available from the library.

Councillor Desna Allen, chairman of the Chippenham steering group, said: "Our town is a friendly, supportive place and the safe places scheme will make it even more so.

“It's just a helping hand and means that anyone who might feel anxious or need some help and support will be able to find that help easily in our town centre, for example a child on their way home from school, or someone coming in on the bus who's lost their purse and doesn't know what to do.

“The scheme is being given strong support and banks, building societies and the larger shops have been particularly helpful."

The steering group comprises Wiltshire Council, Chippenham Town Council, Chippenham Business Improvement District, the Community Safety Partnership, Alzheimer’s Society and Chippenham churches.