A COUNCIL has signed up to a national campaign which aims to make help people feel safer in their towns.

Rochford Council raised the profile of the Keep Safe scheme at a roadshow event in Rayleigh’s Eastwood Road Co-op store.

The scheme aims to designate places in Rayleigh where older people who are unwell, upset or disoriented seek help to contact a relative, friend or carer.

Essex already has more than 100 Keep Safe locations, offering free access to a telephone, or someone who can make a call on behalf of anyone producing a Keep Safe card.

The local scheme will be launched in Rayleigh for residents aged 60-plus and extended to the rest of the district next year.

Rochford councillor responsible for the community, Jo McPherson, said: “The scheme ensures we are working as a community to support those who are vulnerable and in need of our help.

“It means our shops across Rayleigh, and eventually the rest of the district, too, will be places where people can feel confident in knowing they can turn in a crisis.”