MEMBERS of the armed forces and their families have been offered a new source of support by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

The authority has signed the Cheshire Community Covenant, which commits civilian and military authorities to work together for the benefit of armed forces personnel, ex-servicemen and women and their loved ones.

The scheme, which is led by the Ministry of Defence, will encourage support for the armed forces within the borough, promote understanding, awareness and recognition of their work as well as encouraging activities which help to integrate members into the area.

Clr Jill Houlbrook made the formal pledge at the Peninsula Barracks, in Warrington.

She said: “CWAC is extremely proud to play a key role in the implementation of this historic covenant.

“It recognises the challenges that armed forces personnel can face in identifying and accessing services from public sector organisations to meet the demands of such ever-changing and evolving communities.

“Through the covenant, we anticipate that all parties will be better placed to understand and meet those challenges.

“It is an excellent way to further strengthen the proud relationship that exists between civil and forces communities in Cheshire.”

Brigadier Nick Fitzgerald, the most senior soldier in the north west and commander of the 42 Brigade, added: “This initiative is an enormously important document that represents a commitment to cement and build upon that support.

“I hope that it will also help to promote a better understanding and awareness of the issues that affect the service community, creating even stronger enduring bonds.”

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