PLANS to make York a safer and more welcoming place for people with disabilities have taken a step forward.

York Independent Living Network (YILN), which is run by disabled people for disabled people, is setting up a steering group to work with community organisations and local authorities to create a Safe Place Scheme for the city.

Under the nationally-recognised scheme, public places such as shops, cafes and libraries can be designated as safe and supportive places where disabled people can go if they feel lost or frightened, or have other difficulties.

The steering group hopes to launch the York Safe Place Scheme by the end of the year. It will cater for people with mental or physical disabilities, and those with mental health problems.

Its chair, Marije Davidson, said: "At YILN events people have been talking about areas where they do not feel safe, because they have experienced harassment or because they are worried about getting lost or bullied or becoming unwell. This leads to social isolation and it weakens our communities if not everyone can participate.

“The Safe Place Scheme will help York be a safe and welcoming place where disabled people can go and about with confidence. We are delighted with the interest we've had so far, both from disabled people and supporters, and from organisations who want to be a Safe Place."

City of York Council has provided funding for the steering group, which will develop resources for the scheme and find venues to be safe places. The group will also make recommendations to the council and North Yorkshire Police on how the scheme can be maintained.

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: “Everyone has the right to feel confident and safe when out and about. Safe Place Schemes in other areas have proven very successful in enabling people to feel more confident to get out independently. I hope that its introduction in York will make the city an even more inclusive and welcoming place for people with disabilities and those with mental health issues.”