SOLDIERS moving to Stafford will be assured of a warm welcome with civic leaders today pledging their support for the armed forces.
Civic dignitaries from Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council will today attend a ceremony to sign a commitment to support the armed forces. The covenant will enable the councils to bid for a share of UK funding of £30m over the next four years.
Once the official signing has taken place bids can be developed to help support additional services and integration.
The borough is set for a massive influx of military personnel with the relocation of 1 Signal Brigade from 2015.
The event takes place at the National Memorial Arboretum and the official declaration aims to build a relationship where the military receive support from the community and offer their skills and expertise to benefit Stafford people.
The covenant will benefit serving and ex-service personnel, covering vital areas including housing, jobs, training, education and health.
A spokesman for Stafford Borough Council said: “Stafford has a long and proud association with the armed forces and we are delighted the new regiments have chosen to make the borough their home.”
Councillor Philip Atkins, leader of the county council, said: “We know the return to civilian life is a life changing experience. This is why the covenant matters. This joint venture will foster close working relationships between the forces and local people which will help the community as a whole.”
Brigadier Mark Banham, Commander of 143 (West Midlands) Brigade, said: “The signing of this covenant is a tangible recognition of the close relationship that exists between the county of Staffordshire and the military units that are based within it.”
