Businesses in hilly town offer seats for free

A new scheme introduced in a historic - and hilly - town is providing more places for people to stop for a rest as they go about their day.

The Take A Seat project in the North Yorkshire town of Richmond encourages local shops and businesses to provide seating for people passing by without having to buy anything.

Businesses who have taken up the scheme have identified themselves with a sticker in the window - including Edwina's Cakes in the town's centre.

Owner Claire Bagley said: "They never expect you to open the door to them. You are not made to buy a cuppa or a piece of cake, you are more than welcome to come and sit down."

She added: "I've got a lot of customers that do come in and they're a little family between themselves.

"They all make friends so it's nice for that side of things too."

Richmond resident Sheila Russell welcomed the scheme. She said: "For me it's a really good idea, I do need to sit down sometimes.

"I have been shopping and it has come over me and I have had to have a seat for a few minutes to get my strength back."

The scheme, introduced by local care company Home Instead and supported by Richmond Town Council, is also aimed at making the market town more accessible for tourists, many of who are drawn to the town by its 11th Century fortress.

Coun Libby Sands said: "Richmond is a very friendly town, it is very historic and it is beautiful and a lot of people [come to] realise there are a lot of hills as well.

"So it helps to just be able to sit down when you need to," she added.

Robbie Jones, owner of Home Instead and pioneer of the scheme, said he hoped it could also be introduced in neighbouring towns like Northallerton, Barnard Castle and Darlington.

"We're really pleased to have started here in such a beautiful, historic place," he added.

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