App aims to add safety to late walk home

Police have backed the Cumbrian WalkSafe app

A personal safety app has been launched with the aim of helping people, particularly women and girls, get home safely during the busy festive period.

WalkSafe works by listing accredited safe spaces, such as bars and restaurants, and by helps user plan and share their journey home with friends and family.

There is also an SOS button that can be pressed if the user senses danger.

It has been backed by Cumbria Police, Cumberland Council and the University of Cumbria.

Police said a survey it conducted last year of 2,000 women and girls found that 88% felt unsafe at night.

Det Insp Mike Taylor said the app aimed to "try to make people feel that little bit safer".

Mr Taylor said: "Clearly there's an issue that women and girls do feel unsafe so therefore it's incumbent on us to increase the feeling of safety."

Students at the University of Cumbria will be encouraged to download the app when they come to the county.

Rachel O'Donovan from the Students Union said: "We'll be making sure it's a prominent part of our welcome week package."