County supports armed services

A pledge to support the armed forces is to be signed by the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Jackie Dickinson.

The Armed Forces Community Covenant is a statement of support between the community in Leicestershire and its local armed forces.

The purpose of the community covenant is to encourage support for the servicemen and women living in Leicestershire and to recognise and remember the sacrifices they have made.

It encourages everyone within a community to offer support to the local Armed Forces community, making it easier for service personnel, families and veterans to receive help from the Ministry of Defence and other charitable and voluntary sector groups.

The covenant will build on the strong connections already demonstrated between the County Council and the Armed Forces, such as the Council’s war memorial project and the Council-led armed forces dinner.

Jackie Dickinson, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said: “I’m delighted to be signing this pledge which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the armed forces and their families in Leicestershire.

“Recognising the contribution servicemen and women have made and are still making is very important and it is a priority of all parties of the County Council to do everything they can to support them.”

The County Council has nominated a County Councillor as the Council’s Lead Member for the Armed Forces, ensuring that military involvement is embedded at the highest levels within the Council.  The first incumbent for the position will be LT Peter Roffey DL CC.

Photo opportunity

Photographers are invited to the pledge signing at 2pm prior to the meeting of the County Council on Wednesday 21st March in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Glenfield.