POLICE are inviting women to walk the streets of Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury with officers to help improve their safety. 

A new scheme has been launched by Avon and Somerset Police to give women the chance to share with officers where and why they feel most vulnerable.

The Walk and Talk initiative is being introduced across South Gloucestershire with hopes to reduce incidents of violence against women and girls.

Other areas which have been included in the scheme include Kingswood, Patchway and Staple Hill. 

However, women from other areas of South Gloucestershire, such as Yate, can still take part in the scheme.

The project was previously launched as a trial in Somerset in September last year, and has since had 36 walks take place. 

The scheme is available for women aged 18 or above that live or work in South Gloucestershire.

Walk and Talk lead for South Gloucestershire, Police Sergeant Rob Turner, said: “After seeing how the initial trial has been going in Somerset, we knew this is something that would be beneficial for women in South Gloucestershire.

“If there are any women out there who don’t feel completely safe out in their community, then a Walk and Talk is an opportunity for them to have a conversation with a female officer or PCSO and share their worries and concerns. 

“We can then target activity in the right areas or work with partner organisations to make positive changes in the community.”

The walk and talk initiative is also planned to be rolled out in Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset over the next couple of weeks. 

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