If you’re in need of a sit down when visiting Mansfield town centre, you will soon be able to take a seat to rest your feet.

Mansfield BID (Business Improvement District) is working with Vision West Nottinghamshire College and Swinton Insurance on a Healthy High Streets scheme that will see shops and businesses offering a seat to people who need it, without any obligation to buy anything.

The idea of Mansfield’s Take A Seat campaign came from Steve Martin, a customer services associate at Swinton Insurance, in Leeming Street, who has seen similar initiatives in other town centres.

Steve said: “The idea was about helping vulnerable people such as the disabled, pregnant women and the elderly but really anyone can use it.

“It means people can just go into somewhere advertising the poster and have a breather. There are seats in the town centre of course, but people may not always be near them when they need to stop.”

Businesses will display a poster in their shop windows, highlighting the fact that they are participating in the initiative.

Students at Vision West Notts are currently designing the posters, with a winning design being chosen by BID board members, Mr Martin and Louise Knott, from Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

Louise said: “The college is really 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 it will hopefully help people have a bit of rest and feel ready to shop again or enjoy the many more attractions in the town centre.”

Sarah Nelson, BID manager, said: “This is a great idea and we invite businesses and shops to take part. There is a lot to do in Mansfield so it’s no wonder some people just want to sit down.

“Mothers-to-be and the elderly are likely to benefit from the idea, but it’s for anyone really. It’s brilliant to see we already have businesses wanting to participate.”

Any shops or businesses who want to take part in the Mansfield Take A Seat initiative should email [email protected]