Hucknall shop offering safe haven to anyone who feels threatened

The shocking death of Sarah Everad has brought into sharp focus how fearful walking the streets alone can feel for some people, particularly women.

Many large national companies, such as Tesco, Asda and Marks & Spencer have all said shoppers can use their stores as a safe space in the wake of the death of Miss Everard.

Now, Peppers Convenience Store on Watnall Road is also offering a place of safety to anyone who needs it.

It posted a message on it’s Facebook page saying: “At any point you feel scared threatened come in side our shop. Staff will phone police if needed. Safety in numbers Adults or child.”

The post has received strong support from the community with several comments in favour on the Facebook post.

Maureen Bucknall wrote: “That's so lovely of you, well done.”

June Thornton posted: “Thank you, it’s good to know and very much appreciated.”

And Karen Bennett said: “That’s such a lovely thought.”

Richard Johnson, from Peppers, said: “We’ve always looked out for kids passing to and from schools.

"We’ve had a couple occasions with female adults coming in for safety over years and recently I’ve heard of two incidents of kids being followed.

"So, in moment of inspiration, I thought I’d put a post out there so people know to come in if they want a safe place to go.”

“I don’t think Hucknall has a problem at all with safety and this may have been something about nothing.

"But better making people aware before something does happen – too late saying it afterwards.”