NINETEEN shops and businesses in Witney are set to join police this week to launch a new "safe places" scheme.

The project is aimed at helping vulnerable people such those with dementia, learning disablities or menal health needs, and will offer a safe place to people feeling lost, worried or threatened while they’re in the town.

Firms are checked by police and those taking part will display a logo on their premises, with those who could benefit given a card which provides a named person of their choice.

The business or shop can then contact the helper named on the card.

Superintendent Kath Lowe, Area Commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, said: “This initiative is a really simple but effective idea to help people who may need a little extra support when they are out, should they get confused or anxious.

"The scheme is already successfully running in other towns in the county so I’m pleased to see that businesses and organisations feel they want to get involved in Witney and I thank them for their support.”

Plans are underway to roll out the scheme to Carterton too. Those businesses interested in joining can call Reg Nicolson at the West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership on 01993 861000.

The scheme is supported by West Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Carers Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Age UK, Oxfordshire Family Support Network, My Life My Choice and Cottsway Housing.