Shropshire strengthens links with armed forces
Shropshire communities are to have a closer link with its Armed Forces after Military and Council leaders signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant at the main council meeting held in the Shirehall at Shrewsbury on Thursday 3 May.
The Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between the civilian and Armed Forces communities. As well as developing links between Shropshire and members of the Armed Forces, the covenant gives communities the chance to apply to a central £30 million central Government pot for projects which strengthen ties to improve understanding between the military and wider community. The principle behind the Covenant is that the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage because of its military experience. In some cases, such as the sick, injured or bereaved, this means giving special consideration to enable access to public or commercial services that civilians wouldn’t receive. The Covenant covers issues from housing and education to support after Service, and in it veterans have great importance. It is crucial to the Government that it, and the nation, recognises the unique and immense sacrifices you have made for your country.
The covenant was signed during the main Council meeting after many Shropshire Councillors spoke at length on how essential it was that all areas of the County joined together in their support for the Armed Forces. Councillor Martin Taylor Smith spoke of his time in the Armed Services and of the overwhelming commitment and sacrifice made by service men and women. Shropshire Council Leader, Keith Barrow said;’ Shropshire has a long standing relationship with the military, and its only right that we formalise that by signing this covenant. Members of the Armed Forces do an incredibly important job, often in extremely dangerous situations, and it can be beneficial in many ways for them to have good links with their civilian community when they are based in Shropshire.’
Present at the signing was the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Algernon Heber-Percy, Commander 143 Brigade, Brigadier Mark Banham, Station Commander RAF Shawbury, Group Captain Chris Luck, Brigadier Simon Bell and Paul Raymond, Chief Fire Officer. Gp Capt Luck and RAF Shawbury will lead on Shropshire. Gp Capt Luck said;’ I am extremely pleased to be able to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and look forward to working with Shropshire Council in delivering this important commitment.’
