Dudley Council is working in partnership with Halesowen BID to improve accessibility in town centres for people who use assistance dogs.

Window stickers are being distributed in Dudley borough town centres, showing assistance dogs are welcome in shops, cafes, and other indoor spaces.

New signs are being installed in Halesowen following International Assistance Dog Week earlier this month and the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration 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 and these notices will let people know why there might be dogs in a shop in our borough.

"They will 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."

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