WOMEN who feel threatened or intimidated in Sandwell’s pubs can ask for help by simply saying ‘Ask Angela’.

The phrase is a code to alert bar staff when a woman is subject to inappropriate comments or unwanted attention.

The scheme is being rolled out across the borough’s public houses and nightclubs – using posters in toilets to tell women how they can ask for help.

‘Ask Angela’ was first launched two years ago by Lincolnshire County Council and has since been copied by towns across the country.

The project is part of a series of anti-social behaviour programmes being promoted by Sandwell Council.

Alan Caddick, director of housing for Sandwell Council, told members of Safer Neighbourhoods and Active Communities Scrutiny Board the scheme had been well received by licensed premises.

He explained: “If you’re a woman and if you feel threatened, if you say ‘Ask Angela’ to the staff it’s a code that says you feel unsafe and need to get away.”

The scheme is part of 14 projects being funded the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Sandwell.