Shops and businesses in Beaconsfield are helping vulnerable people feel safe in the town by signing up to be a ‘safe place’.

Age UK, Boots, Clarks, Lloyds Chemist, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose in the New Town and Lloyds Pharmacy and the registry office in the Old Town are among the businesses to have signed up already.

Iain Rennie, the police station, Beaconsfield library, Sainsburys, Shaw Trust and South Bucks Hospice are also part of the project.

The voluntary Safe Place scheme aims to assist vulnerable people when out and about.

Vulnerable people who are members of the scheme carry an “I need help” card with their name and the details of up to three people that can be contacted if they need support and help.

If the person feels unwell or unsafe they can look for a shop or business displaying a 'Safe Place' sign and staff will make contact with one of the person's emergency contacts and keep them safe until help arrives.

The scheme is also operating in Gerrards Cross, Iver and Burnham.

In Holtspur, the Beacon sports centre and theatre, First 4 Service, Londis, Prices of Beaconsfield, Warwick Doors and Windows and Wyevale have also pledged to help.

If you would like to get a Safe Place card or would like your business to become a safe place contact the Community Safety team on 01494 732265 or email communitysafety@southbucks.gov.uk.