A SCHEME which is designed to protect children who become separated from their parents or guardians has been launched.

A SCHEME which is designed to protect children who become separated from their parents or guardians was launched

The Child Safe scheme was launched yesterdayby Ipswich Central, which promotes the town centre, and Suffolk police.

The Child Safe Zone initiative aims to reunite lost children with their families as quickly as possible. Posters are on show around the town displaying a direct number to Suffolk Police. In the event that a child becomes separated from their guardian, the security teams will immediately action their search procedure.

Shoppers can pick up a free colourful wristband onto which they write their own mobile telephone number. Children in their car wear the band throughout their stay in Ipswich and in the event that they are separated from their guardian, anyone finding the child can quickly make a call to let the guardian know their child is found.

Paul Clement, executive director of Ipswich Central, said: “The system provides immediate information for the police, our street rangers and the CCTV in town. There is also a network of retailers in and around the centre who can cooperate with the speedy recovery of a child in the unlikely event that they should become separated.”

For more information visit www.ipswichcentral.com or contact Clare Bagley on 0845 155 3030.