A network of public safety emergency contact points have launched across Wirral, including in West Kirby and Hoylake.
They are located in town centres, coastal areas and close to other places where people are likely to gather or visit.
At each help point there is a direct, two-way audio connection with Wirral Council’s Emergency Control Centre that people can use if they find themselves in difficulty or danger.
The help points are backed up by CCTV surveillance cameras so control centre operators can immediately monitor the situation and alert emergency services if necessary.
The idea behind the installation of the help points is to improve community safety and provide public reassurance. It is hoped their presence will reduce the risk of violent crime and violence against women and girls.
They are designed to be used to report a crime, anti-social behaviour, reporting a missing person or when 999 assistance is required.
In West Kirby, they are located on Grange Rd by the Concourse and on South Parade at the junction of Dee Lane.
In Hoylake, they are on Market Street, opposite the junction with Lake Place, and by the train station.
The Emergency Help Points are clearly identifiable by distinctive yellow signage directing people to the audio connection.
Cllr Helen Cameron, Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for Wirral Council, said: “These help points could literally provide a lifeline for someone who finds themselves in difficulty or feeling threatened on our streets for whatever reason.
“Linking directly to the CCTV control centre, an operator there can talk to them directly, provide reassurance and arrange for them to be assisted by emergency services or other partner agencies if necessary.
The scheme has been funded by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership and Wirral Community Safety Partnership.
The other locations across Wirral are:
Moreton Rd, Upton
Marine Promenade, New Brighton (The Bell)
Marine Promenade, New Brighton (Café Crème)
Marine Promenade, New Brighton (Floral/Fort Perch Rock)
Kings Parade, New Brighton
Victoria Rd/Grosvenor Rd, New Brighton
Liscard Way, Liscard (McDonalds)
Wallasey Road, Liscard
Telegraph Rd, Heswall (Heswall Bus Station)
Grange Precinct (Asda Birkenhead)
Claughton Rd, Birkenhead (Fire station)
Ashville Rd, Birkenhead (Birkenhead Park Entrance)
Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
Woodside Ferry
Hamilton St/Market St (Magenta Housing)
Seacombe Promenade (Seacombe Ferry Terminal)
Egremont Promenade, Wallasey (Egremont Ferry)
New Brighton Promenade, New Brighton (Vale Park)
Conway St/Exmouth St
Conway St/Vittoria St
Hoylake Rd (Moreton Cross)
Poulton Rd/Borough Rd, Seacombe
New Chester Rd/New Ferry Rd
Old Chester Rd, Rock Ferry