New covenant to enhance links with armed forces in Preston

Posted 26 August 2011 at 10:15

Preston City Council is working closely with the armed services and veterans to develop a new covenant with the armed forces in Preston.

Preston is proud of its military connections. Many people from the city serve in the armed forces and Preston is also home to Fulwood Barracks. The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and the Royal King’s Hussars have freedom of the city. Preston also has an affiliation with 45 Squadron RAF Benson.

Now Preston is looking to build on its links and relationship with the armed forces with a new covenant that will:

• encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their areas
• nurture public understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the armed forces community
• recognise and remember the sacrifices faced by the armed forces community
• encourage activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life
• encourage the armed forces community to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint project, or other forms of engagement

The development of the covenant was welcomed by Council Leader, Councillor Peter Rankin, who said:

The armed forces are an important part of Preston, its people and its history. It is important that we celebrate this and ensure that people who serve their country and put their own lives on the line are recognised and respected for their service.

The development of an armed forces covenant in Preston builds on the national covenant that already exists between the country and its service personnel.

As a Council, we are proud to be taking this forward and will work with armed forces representatives and veterans to ensure Preston continues to be a warm, respectful and welcoming city to our armed forces.

One of our key promises in the covenant will be the renovation of Preston’s war memorial and the establishment of a Roll of Honour in the Harris Museum to people from Preston who have died serving their country since the Second World War in 1945.

 

Background information

In addition to the armed forces covenant, the Council appointed Councillor David Borrow as Champion for the armed forces in Preston.