OTTERY businesses were paid a visit by police last week to boost a scheme that combats the bullying of people with learning disabilities.

OTTERY businesses were paid a visit by police last week to boost a scheme that combats the bullying of people with learning disabilities.

PC Vanessa Thompson, diversity officer, with the help of Ben Marshall, Emma Bishop and PCSO Maria Clapp ( all pictured) visited traders to tell them about a Safe

Place scheme.

PC Thompson explained: "The idea is somebody with a learning disability carries a card with someone they would like to be contacted in an emergency. Businesses put a sticker up in their window and the person can identify that is a place where theycan get help and see a friendly face."

"The good thing about the scheme is if people see the sign they don't have to explain what happened to them, but they can just give their card over and someone will ring for help."

"It went very well in Ottery and was really well received. Everyone was really positive and they all said they would put up the sticker in their window."

To find out more about the Safe Place scheme and to register for a card ring PC Thompson on (01395) 226129.