A scheme to keep people safe in Coalville and North West Leicestershire is expanding.

Three businesses in Coalville are joining the Keep Safe Places scheme to offer a place of sanctuary and help for anyone who is anxious, scared or at risk when out and about.

The YMCA, British Heart Foundation and Redgate Animal Sanctuary shops in the Belvoir Shopping Centre will join seven other organisations in the town displaying membership with window stickers.

Keep Safe Spaces in the district are supported by the Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership, which brings together a number of agencies to reduce crime and disorder.

Keep Safe Places in Coalville are:

• Coalville Library, High Street

• Coalville Shopmobility, High Street

• George Smith Hub, 22 Hotel Street

• Hermitage FM Community Coffee Lounge, Memorial Square

• Marlene Reid Centre, Belvoir Road (near Marlborough Square)

• Newmarket, Marlborough Square

• North West Leicestershire District Council Offices, Whitwick Road

The expansion of the scheme comes in advance of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, when organisations across the country work to stamp out hate crime and provide support to victims.

Jan Sketchley from the Hermitage FM Café said; "We have a number of vulnerable people who come here because they know we are a Keep Safe Places member."

Trudy from the Marlene Reid Centre added; "We are a social supermarket and have a lot of footfall of vulnerable people. I think the Keep Safe Places scheme is perfect."

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Chair of the Safer North West Leicestershire Safety Partnership, said: "Keep Safe Places provides temporary havens to people feeling vulnerable, upset, scared or distressed.

"Sometimes people just need reassurance, a place to sit or someone to offer to make a call for them. We know the community appreciates having these spaces and are glad to welcome more.

"If you're in our town centres and need a safe space, look out for the stickers on building windows and doors."