Five businesses in Little Chalfont have signed up to the Safe Place scheme, an innovative way of supporting vulnerable people living independently in their community.

The scheme, run with Chiltern's Community Safety Partnership, provides vulnerable people with a safe haven if they need reassurance or help. Participating shops or businesses display a sticker,which identifies them as a Safe Place. Vulnerable people will recognise the sticker and know if they need help, they can make a call from the promises and wait there until a family member or carer can get to them.

It's an initiative which was originally launched in Chesham, before being successfully extended to Chalfont St Peter, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, and has now been embraced by Little Chalfont.

Cllr Peter Hudson, Chiltern District Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said: "To have three communities now taking part in the Safe Place scheme is fantastic. This scheme can make all the difference to someone's quality of life and gives their families or carers peace of mind. It offers the more vulnerable within our community extended independence within a safe area and means they can get out and about, safe in the knowledge if they do need help, it's never far away."

Businesses in Little Chalfont which have signed up to the Safe Place scheme so far are : Village Wine; Tesco Express; Village Dry Cleaners; Little Chalfonts Post Office and Iain Rennie Hospice At Home Shop - all in Chenies Parade, Chalfont Station Rd, Little Chalfont.

More information about the scheme is available at www.chiltern.gov.uk/safeplace.

If you own a business and would like to sign up to it, please call 01494 732033. Anyone who would like a card to carry around giving their emergency contact details can contact the Community Safety team on the number above.