Residents urged to try 'community service' days

A councillor is calling for regular "community service days" to encourage more residents to volunteer to improve their neighbourhoods.

Maxwell Green, deputy leader of the Conservative group at Preston City Council, said he was inspired by the Umuganda scheme in Rwanda, where people get involved in local public works on the last Saturday every month.

"Even the President does it," Mr Green said.

"It would bring everyone together for a good common purpose – and people do feel good about helping out others," he said.

Mr Green, who is doing a PhD in international relations, is trying to get the idea off the ground after being appointed a "peace ambassador" by the international thinktank Institute for Economics and Peace.

He hoped the "community spirit" engendered by regular voluntary efforts could persuade significant numbers of people to participate.

Mr Green, who represents the Sharoe Green ward, added: "It's about building communities… and strengthening community bonds, something which would be especially important in a City of Sanctuary [which supports refugees and asylum seekers].

"It shows everyone is taking pride in their neighbourhood and city and aids the integration of new people into the area.

"And it also saves a lot of money just from people [volunteering]."

He has also proposed gardens for every primary school in the city, with their creation and maintenance forming a part of the proposed volunteering programme.

The green spaces would teach children "responsibility" as well as providing an opportunity for them to "relax and destress", he added.

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