New app aims to keep us all safe

A local councillor is urging people to download an innovative app.

SNP candidate for Paisley Northwest Kenny MacLaren is encouraging the use of Keep Safe Scotland, a free smartphone app that protects the vulnerable.

The Keep Safe project works in partnership with Police Scotland and a network of local businesses to create ‘Keep Safe’ places for disabled, vulnerable, and elderly people when out and about in the community.

A phone app was launched in 2016 that can be used to plan routes, highlighting all Keep Safe places and providing details including opening hours, websites and telephone numbers.

The app is linked to Police Scotland to dial 101 or 999 with an approximate location displayed allowing officers to find the app user if they are lost or in distress.

A link is provided for all local authorities in Scotland, with the option available to them to provide local details for community safety events and contacts.

Councillor Kenny MacLaren said the project is a positive step forward.

He claimed: “The police, local businesses and council are working together to make sure that disabled, vulnerable and disabled people feel safe when out and about in the community.

“I would encourage everyone to not only download the app, but to also download it onto the phones of any relative or friend who they think could benefit from it.”