Shops urged to sign 'age-friendly' pledge

Traders in Bournemouth are being urged to sign a pledge to make their shops more inclusive for older people.

The Take a Seat initiative by the town's Business Improvement District (BID) will see armchairs put in stores and free training offered to staff.

Grants of up to £500 from the Centre for Ageing Better have been made available for small-scale improvements benefiting older customers.

The partnership also involves BCP Council.

Paul Kinvig, from Bournemouth's BID, said the project was all about making older shoppers feel welcome.

"...there's a commercial interest for local traders too. Older people have spending power, savings and pensions.

"They are less influenced by economic fluctuations than young people," he said.

Councillor Sandra Moore, portfolio holder for communities and partnerships, told BBC Radio Solent: "I'm very anxious to see Bournemouth become more age-friendly, because it's the most sensible thing to do.

"It's got social benefits, economic benefits, everything..."

She added it was important the council supported the idea, despite the authority being in a difficult place financially.

"It's always going to be difficult because of the economic situation, but we can support and enable things, and facilitate things and whatever we can do, then we will be doing," she said.

"It's such a beautiful town centre. The more we can do to attract older people and look after the needs of older people, the better."

Natalie Turner, deputy director for localities at the Centre for Ageing Better, said making older shoppers feel comfortable was vital for their town centre experience.

"It's about getting the basics right. Seats, toilets, lighting, sound, those are the things that really matter," she added.

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