TWO events are being held this week in the city’s bid to become the first autism friendly city centre in the UK.

The area attracts 55 million visitors each year and is one of the UK’s top destinations for work. leisure and shopping.

Just over 1% of the UK’s population is affected by autism and ensuring the city centre is autism friendly will further underline its reputation as a family friendly location.

The city council will be working with the business community, Autism Network Scotland and other organisations in a bid to develop proposals.

They will initially focus on high footfall locations like shopping centres transport hubs, museums and cinemas.

The aim is to help create a positive customer experience, provide information and guidance for autistic people, increase staff awareness of the condition and to make appropriate adaptations in business premises.

City council leader Susan Aitken said: “Making Glasgow city centre autism friendly will make the city centre more accessible for everyone which in turn will bring social and economic benefits for the whole city.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest to come along to these workshops so they can share their ideas and help shape our strategy to ensure our city centre is accessible for all.”

Lynsey Stewart of Autism Network Scotland said: “The drop-in focus groups workshops are a great opportunity to have your voice heard, engage in conversations and explore ideas to enable those with autism to confidently access facilities such as shopping centres, tourist attractions and public transport in and around Glasgow city centre.”

Workshops are being held in the St Enoch Centre at the Argyle Street entrance on Wednesday between 5.30pm and 8pm and on Thursday from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Those who cannot attend can complete a survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/X378LMF