LSAVI Initiative Sets the Stage for Safer Nights in Telford
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI) has transformed safety standards across the Borough’s night-time economy, paving the way for the effective promotion of WalkSafe+, the UK’s leading personal safety app.
Introduced in 2023, LSAVI equips venues with robust measures to protect customers and staff, including anti-spiking protocols, improved CCTV and lighting, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
The Council initially funded 65 LSAVI memberships for local venues, helping businesses adopt these standards and achieve accreditation. Today, a network of trusted accredited spaces for residents and visitors can be found while using the WalkSafe+ app.
The impact of LSAVI has been significant: of 53 venues assessed, 21 improved their star ratings after implementing LSAVI advice. Licensees overwhelmingly value the scheme, with 74 per cent confirming the effort was worthwhile and 95 per cent rating LSAVI resources as high-quality.
Confidence in safety has grown too with 68 per cent of respondents feeling more assured about staff safety, and almost three quarters feel more confident about patron safety.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: “Our investment in LSAVI has raised safety standards across Telford’s night-time economy. Promoting WalkSafe+ builds on that success, giving people practical tools to feel safe wherever they go.”
WalkSafe+ complements LSAVI by helping users find accredited Safe Spaces, plan safer journeys, giving residents and visitors confidence when planning a night out.
Tools like HomeSafe and Follow Me, share real-time location updates with trusted friends, and help people access facilities such as phone charging stations and free period products at participating venues.
Businesses not yet part of LSAVI can still apply. A five-star LSAVI rating not only reassures customers but also boosts visibility as a Safe Space on WalkSafe+.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: "Our investment in LSAVI has transformed safety standards across Telford’s night-time economy. WalkSafe+ builds on that success, giving people practical tools to feel safe wherever they go."
For details on joining LSAVI, visit https://www.licensingsavi.com/
Download the app for free on Apple App Store https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/walksafe/id1600039378 and Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.walksafe.walksafeplus&hl=en_GB or search WalkSafe.