Soldiers to be given housing priority (From Sutton Guardian)

Armed Forces Day sees Sutton sign up to help soldiers

7:20am Friday 29th June 2012 in News By James Pepper

Sutton soldiers to be given housing priority

Soldiers returning from war will be given housing priority under new council plans.

An agreement has been struck between Sutton Council, the police and voluntary groups as part of Armed Forces Day.

The Armed Forces Community Covenant was signed by the parties which recognise the honour and sacrifice made by members of the armed forces and their families.

Measures include giving housing priority to returning armed forces personnel and helping them find a school place for their children.

Charitable and voluntary organisations have also pledged to work with soldiers and ex-soldiers to help them access services and feel part of the community.

In return, local members of the armed forces are encouraged to do as much as they can to support the borough.

Leader of Sutton Council, Councillor Ruth Dombey, said: "I was very proud to sign the covenant on behalf of the council on this special day. Our armed forces and their families sacrifice so much every day, and this is our small way of saying thank you and giving something back."

The covenant was signed shortly after local cadets joined the Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Sean Brennan, to raise a flag in Sutton Town Centre.

Residents and shoppers stopped gathered to see the Union flag hoisted up the flagpole near Trinity Square.

Councillor Dombey was joined by the chief executive of Sutton Council, Niall Bolger, in signing the covenant on the council's behalf.

It was also signed by representatives of the Army, Reserve Forces and Cadets, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, NHS, Sutton Police and Sutton Police.

Brigadier Matthew Lowe, Deputy Commander, London District, said: "The presence of soldiers, sailors and airmen at Flag Raising ceremonies across the capital this week is a sign of the armed forces enduring relationship with the people of London."

For more information on Armed Forces Days and events happening over the weekend visit: www.armedforcesday.org.uk