SHOPS, pubs and supermarkets are just some of the places taking part in The Safe Place Scheme in Hereford.

The scheme, run by Herefordshire Mencap, provides safe places for vulnerable people when walking the city streets.

It aims to give the elderly and people with a disability, illness or learning difficulty or who just feel in danger when out alone, a range of safe places where they can go to for help if they feel bullied, abused or harassed.

In Hereford the current safe places are The Golden Fleece, Boots, Gemma's Handy Cafe, Matabeau Cafe, Tesco, WHSmith, Score Community Opportunities (Affinity Trust), Newton Farm Community Centre, iAspire Community Hub, Monday Club, Kindle Centre and Old Market Shopping Centre.

There are also safe places in all of the market towns and also one in Yarpole.

Anywhere that is a designated safe place will display a logo in the window or other prominent place and staff will be ready to help and assist anyone who goes to them for help, creating a temporary safe haven.

Safe Place cards can also be carried by individuals with useful contact numbers and can then be presented at a safe place.

To see a list of all of the safe places go to www.herefordshiremencap.co.uk/safe-places.html