A SIMPLE feature found in disabled toilets is the focus of a citywide life-saving awareness campaign amid concerns many people still don’t understand its importance.

The Disability Interest Group of Salisbury (DIGS), working alongside Salisbury City Council (SCC) and Signs in Motion Ltd, has launched an initiative to highlight the dangers of tampering with red emergency cords.

Often tied up, shortened or even cut, these cords are designed to hang freely to the floor – allowing someone in distress to call for help if they fall or cannot reach higher fixtures.

Now, posters will begin appearing in accessible toilets across the city to educate the public about what campaigners say is a widespread but potentially deadly issue.

Cords are designed to hang freely to the floor.

CEO of DIGS Kez Adey said many disabled people take the red cord being in the correct place for granted while many non-disabled people do not realise how important the cord is.

She added: “We need as many people as possible to understand the importance which is why we are running educational spaces and workshops for independent social groups for all ages, as the first educational campaign DIGS have run it is fantastic to see the support it is getting from others.”

The campaign has already received unanimous backing from councillors, who say the issue is both urgent and overlooked.

Commercial services committee chair Cllr Sam Foster said: “It was a privilege to have DIGS bring this campaign to our attention and to be able to provide support for it.

“This has been one of those times where I was left thinking why isn’t this already being done, and if DIGS, SCC and Signs in Motion can tackle this issue then let’s take the opportunity we have to do so.

“I look forward to seeing the campaign be rolled out and continuing to look at its effectiveness and whether new ideas are needed.

“Our view was clear that this isn’t just about a nice campaign but actually making sure we address the important issue of preventing cords being tampered with.”

Director of Signs in Motion Lee Burt added: “Learning about this campaign with DIGS we were happy to help in supplying the necessary literature in order to help raise awareness of this worthwhile cause.”

Campaigners hope the message is simple and remembered: leave the red cord alone. It could save a life.