A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help make Halesowen town centre more accessible for people with assistance dogs.

Halesowen BID has teamed up with Dudley Council to ensure businesses are welcoming of people who use assistance dogs.

Assistance dogs help people with essential tasks such as using public transport, crossing roads, opening gates and doors and fetching prescriptions.

As part of the campaign, window stickers are being distributed in Dudley borough town centres to show assistance dogs are welcome in shops, cafes, and other indoor spaces.

Signs are being installed in Halesowen and the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, cllr Simon Phipps, recently met with people from Halesowen BID to talk about how businesses are playing their part.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member responsible for business support, said: "It’s absolutely vital that we show our town centres are open for business for everyone.

"These notices will let people know why there might be dogs in a shop or bank in our borough and remind people that some shoppers and visitors might need a little bit of extra help.

"I hope other businesses across the borough will follow the lead of Halesowen."

Eve O’Connor, from the Halesowen BID added: "We have always been a welcoming and inclusive town and this is just another way of going the extra mile to show that.

"I’m sure our businesses will support this important piece of work."