A WHITCHURCH bank has been granted Safe Place status.

TSB, based on Watergate Street, recently joined the scheme which is run by Safe Shropshire and asks shops, businesses and public buildings to sign up to the project.

As part of the scheme staff at these businesses are briefed in what to do if someone needs help and the premises that sign up are provided with a sticker symbol that goes in a visible place in the window.

The scheme is supported by West Mercia Police and police community support officers are aware of where local Safe Places are.

Simon Peleszok, TSB bank manager for Ellesmere says: “At TSB, our approach is to provide the kind of banking experience people want and deserve, no matter what their circumstances.

"It’s very important to us to understand the impact vulnerability has on customers, whether it is a long term medical condition, mental health condition, a life trauma, such as divorce or bereavement, or financial difficulty.

“We are delighted to support the Safe Places scheme in our local area and all branches across Shropshire have signed up.

"Recognising potentially vulnerable customers is part of our training and we’re very proud to back such an important service for the local community.”

Ruby Hartshorn, chairman of Safe Place Shropshire said: "We are very pleased to be working with Simon Peleszok, Manager of TSB Ellesmere and Community Ambassador, Ellesmere Branch, Staffordshire North Wales and Shropshire.

"As a result, we will shortly have all TSB Branches in this area signed up to the Safe Place community initiative.

"It is great working with them as they meet potential users of the scheme on a daily basis and it fits well with their ethos"