Wakefield Council will implement the WalkSafe app

Cllr Maureen Cummings
Image source: Wakefield Council

Wakefield Council has said it will launch a local version of the WalkSafe app to support personal safety in the city centre.

It provided information on support services up to 4km from the centre, which will be available in the app from Friday 7 June.

The initiative involved a partnership between the council, Wakefield BID – an organization focused on city center regeneration – and the Safer Together Partnership Wakefield and District.

Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield’s cabinet member for communities, poverty and health, said: “The Walk Safe app is a brilliant concept. Even though Wakefield is the safest town in West Yorkshire, the app offers lots of different features and information to give people that extra peace of mind when enjoying all that Wakefield has to offer.

This is a great way to help people have the best possible experience in our city centre.”

App features include: WalkSafe feature to share your destination, route and estimated time of arrival with trusted friends; HomeSafe to alert them if you don’t arrive on time; a safety map of the premises and support; an SOS button for use in case of danger; and a reporting function to raise any issues or concerns.

Safer nights

Emma Kay, founder of the WalkSafe app, said: We know that 63% of women prefer to visit pubs, bars and restaurants that have safety initiatives. Our national safety map allows users to see exactly where these places are and plan safer experiences.”

Thomas Wales, CEO of Wakefield BID, said: “Ensuring a safer Wakefield directly boosts our local economy by attracting more visitors to our local businesses, supporting a vibrant shopping environment. This not only increases customer traffic and income, but also makes Wakefield an attractive destination for new investment and development, ultimately leading to sustained economic growth for our entire community.”