Rollout of ‘Safe Place’ scheme to make “town centre as accessible as possible”

A new ‘Safe Place’ scheme is being launched in Wrexham town centre to make sure that everyone who visits can have a place to go and feel safe if needed.

The “Safe Place” initiative, which is being run by SWS (Standards of Wrexham Services), aims to provide an environment for people visiting the town who may feel panicked, stressed or particularly vulnerable.

Part of a wider and national scheme, “Safe Place” offers people the security of knowing they, or people they care about, have a safe place to go in times of need. This is done by a sign displayed in a shop window, pub, library, council building etc showing that the area is a “Safe Place” for people to use.

Locally there has been a push for a ‘Safe Place’ in Wrexham since 2015, with campaigner Simon Cooke being among the first to call for the introduction of the scheme.

Cllr Andrew Atkinson was also vocal with his support for the scheme, having initially raised it with Simon at the Town Centre Forum in 2015. Further pressure was put on Wrexham Council in December 2016 when a further call for action to introduce the scheme was made.

Following the recent announcement of Wrexham Council’s plans for the scheme, Simon tweeted to say: “About time but it’s finally got over the line. Well done for your persistence.”

In Wrexham businesses and companies in the town centre are being invited to get on board with the scheme, with local “Safe Places” also appearing in the national database.

Cllr Joan Lowe, lead member for health and adult social care, said: “I fully support this project which will go a step further to making our town centre as accessible as possible for visitors.

“I know it has been very successful in other areas and I am sure Wrexham businesses will be eager to come on board to register to become a “Safe Place”.”

Are you interested in becoming a safe place? Then contact 01978 298475 and ask for Debbie or Nicole or email [email protected] or [email protected]