Plans to introduce a community covenant across the district to help support members of the armed forces and their families have been welcomed.

A motion by Bradford Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood wants it to be made easier for service personnel, their relatives and veterans to access help and support in areas such as health and housing services.

Coun Greenwood told the Telegraph & Argus: “Bradford has had a close relationship with the military for many years and a particularly close one with the local regiments. But we feel that it is important to recognise that relationship and take it further.

“There needs to be an understanding of the role that the military has in our society and more importantly the role that people have when they leave service and reintegrate into civilian life.”

The motion states that the Council recognises and remembers the sacrifices made by the armed services community. It goes on to call for a commitment to encourage public and private sector providers to account for the needs of the armed services community and to recognise the contribution they have made.

Wendy Rayner, whose husband Sergeant Peter Rayner was killed in Afghanistan almost a year ago, welcomed the move, saying any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

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