Wirral shows support for armed forces by signing covenant

Jul 11 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

A NEW pledge to support members of the armed forces was signed in Wirral last week.

Armed forces representatives and organisations from the public, voluntary and business sectors in Wirral put pen to paper at a signing ceremony at Wallasey Town Hall.

The Wirral Armed Forces Community Covenant affirms a commitment by public and voluntary services in the borough to supporting service personnel and their families and ex-members of the forces – including help with education, housing and health.

Guests included council leader Cllr Phil Davies, the Mayor of Wirral Gerry Ellis and representatives from the service-related charities Combat Stress, the Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).

Cllr Davies said: ‘‘Wirral has always been proud of its association with the armed forces.

“I think I speak for everyone when I say residents are deeply grateful to everybody in the services, and their families, for their commitment, service and sacrifice.”

Cllr Ellis added: ‘In signing this new covenant, we affirm our support for all the men and women who sacrifice their civilian freedoms, face danger and, sometimes, suffer serious injury or death as a result of their duty.

“We also acknowledge our debt to their families.”