Retailers across West Bridgford are being encouraged to sign up to Nottinghamshire County Council’s take-a-seat campaign to help more older and disabled shoppers be ensured of a resting place when out and about. More than 300 businesses and other organisations across the county have already made a commitment to make their shops and buildings more age-friendly, with shops and organisations in West Bridgford now joining the scheme including Timpson, Co-op Funeral Care, Create! West Bridgford and Renew 37, a community hub based on Abbey Road.

By displaying the ‘We are Age Friendly’ sticker, businesses are providing reassurance to older people and people with a disability or chronic illness that they will be offered a seat when they go inside – should they need to rest. Many shops will also offer a drink and, if accessible, use of their toilet facilities. Councillor John Handley, Vice-Chairman of Communities and Place Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, “We are passionate about helping older people stay independent and connected to their communities and we encourage more shops and businesses to sign up to promote their great service for older customers.”

Local resident, Jenny Letts, welcomed the initiative. She said, “It’s a brilliant idea. When you’re out and about in West Bridgford is nice to know you have somewhere to sit for a rest without having to think about whether you need to buy something or not. “It may be warm now, but in the winter months it will be good to have somewhere to come in from the cold.

“I’m passionate about spreading the word about this idea as it helps people like myself to stay active and get out and about. “Eventually I’m sure more and more local shops and cafes will have the ‘We are Age Friendly’ sign in their shop window.” Timpson Store manager Chris Riley added. “We are very happy to support the scheme as it is our company ethos to play a part in helping the community where we can.” A third of older people are identified as lonely, with many losing independence because they find it increasingly difficult to walk from their home to local shops and community venues without the reassurance that there will be somewhere warm and comfortable for them to rest. Being an age friendly business makes commercial sense for retailers. Studies have shown that:

• 60% of older people are concerned by the lack of seating in shopping areas
• 33% of older people would feel ashamed to ask for a seat in a public place
• Annual high street losses of £4.5bn are predicted by 2030 if retailers fail to attract and retain older customers