ALCESTER is set to become a dementia friendly town, after a unanimous vote by the town council to acknowledge the needs of people suffering with dementia and their carers.

The topic was raised by Councillor Mike Gittus, as the first step to signing up to the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Communities Initiative.

He said that the promise would have virtually no financial impact on the community, and would mainly consist of raising awareness of dementia within businesses and public buildings, in terms of ensuring signage is clear, trip hazards ore avoided, and people are aware of any issues which might confuse people with memory loss.

Coun Gittus said: “It is about enabling people with dementia to continue to live a good life within our community, with us providing the support and understanding that they require.

“I hope that Alcester Town Council by adopting this status will encourage other organisations, both big and small, to join in and promote public understanding of the needs of members of our community who are living with dementia.”

Alcester mayor Mark Cargill, added: “Personally I’m fully in favour of this. I think it’s a good thing to have from the council.”

Support was also voiced from Councillor Lennox Cumberbatch, who pointed out that dementia isn’t just an issue affecting the elderly in the town.

The town council voted unanimously for the proposal “ATC recognises the need to help people with dementia and their carers live well and access their communities accordingly ATC commits itself to becoming a Dementia friendly town”.

For more information on the initiative and how residents can help make life easier for those with dementia and their carers, visit livingwellwithdementia.org.