BUSINESS bosses are relaunching a scheme to keep visitors safe... by re-uniting lost children with their families and vulnerable adults with their carers.

The Keeping Together scheme by the Southend Business Improvement District (BID) will enable parents and carers to collect a wristband from shops, restaurants and leisure attractions across Southend.

Parents and carers can then write their phone number on the back of the band and give it to their child or vulnerable adult to wear. Should they wander off, they can then be helped by a responsible adult who can phone the number and reunite them.

Adults will also be given cards to carry, which will give clear advice about what to do if someone in their care goes missing. This will include the 101 number they should call.

The bands are free and will be available at 30 participating businesses across Southend.

This includes the toy store, Toys N Tuck, on Queens Road.

Lisa Webster, supervisor at the store, said: “As a toy shop, we see lots of children in here and it’s an awful time for parents if their little one runs off.

“We’ve had times before when there has been a child who couldn’t find their mum wander into the store.

“I’ve had my little boy run off once in Tesco. Luckily he never left the shop but I can empathise with parents when this happens.

“Anything to help is a good idea, hopefully the high street will be a more secure place now for the little children if they get lost.”

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Jessica Lester, from Southend BID, said: “Public safety and the reassurance that Southend is a safe and secure place to visit with young children and or vulnerable adults is paramount.

“The BID area can become immensely busy during the summer school holidays and sunny weekends.

“Anything we can do to help visitors and residents alike make the most of their time in the town centre and on the seafront, we will endeavour to do.”

Alison Dewey, Southend BID Manager, added: “Safety and security has always been one of our top priorities and with the Southend BID Keeping Together scheme, we can reassure parents and carers that Southend continues to be a safe and welcoming place for all to enjoy.” The new scheme will be launched in time for the Easter holidays.