Take a seat on us, say Mansfield town centre shops and businesses

For seats are to be provided by stores and businesses in an initiative sure to appeal to mums and the elderly.

The Take A Seat campaign is the idea of Steve Martin, a customer services associate at Swinton Insurance on Leeming Street, who had seen similar initiatives in other town centres.

Steve linked up with the Mansfield BID (Business Improvement District) partnership and Vision West Notts College to put the idea into practice. And now shops and firms in the town centre will be offering a seat to people who need it, without any obligation to buy anything.

“It’s all about helping vulnerable people, such as the disabled, pregnant women and the elderly,” Steve said. “But really anyone can use it. It means people can just go into a shop or business and have a breather. There are already seats in the town centre, of course, but people might not always be near one when they need to rest.”

Those taking part in the scheme will display a Take A Seat poster in their window. Posters are being designed by students at West Notts College, and the winning one will be chosen by Louise Knott, of the college, alongside Steve and BID board members.

Louise said: “The college is very happy to get involved with such a great initiative. It not only provides our students with a real project to get their teeth into but, hopefully, it will also help people have a rest and feel ready to shop again, enjoying the many attractions in the town centre.”

The Take A Seat initiative has been warmly welcomed by Mansfield BID manager Sarah Nelson, who said: “This is a great idea.

“We invite businesses and shops to take part. There is a lot to do in Mansfield, so no wonder some people just want to sit down! Mothers-to-be and the elderly are likely to benefit from the idea. But it can be used by anyone. It’s brilliant to see we already have businesses wanting to participate.”

Mansfield BID is a partnership between the council and businesses aimed at driving forward projects that benefit trade.

Shops and business wanting to take part in the Take A Seat scheme should e-mail [email protected]