NEIGHBOURLINESS and communities pulling together have been common themes across the UK in recent weeks, and the residents of the villages of Weston Rhyn, St Martins and Gobowen in the Three Parishes Big Local area are no exception.

That's according to the Three Parishes Big Local chairman Nick Heard, who believes that groups have come together to ensure those who needed it in the three villages have been well-looked after.

And he says the Big Local Partnership is wanting to work more with these groups to ensure things run smoothly for all three villages.

He said: "Volunteers and community groups in the area have worked with community buildings and businesses to set up fantastic projects that are supporting residents with a range of services including shopping delivery, prescription collection, hot meal delivery and local foodbanks which can be accessed without referral.

"The Three Parishes Big Local Partnership has been pleased to award grants to these projects and we would welcome more ideas from residents about how our lottery funding can be used now, and in the future, to support these communities.

"Timely information is important and we have been very conscious that there are residents who are not 'online' and may be missing out on details of services and support. We have had leaflets printed that provide this information for distribution within our community.

"We are grateful to newsagents and community groups that have already helped with distribution but we are appealing to all local people to help spread the word to their immediate friends, family and neighbours.

"Anyone who would like copies to distribute in their own street is asked to get in touch with Bridget on 07709 674617 or info@big-local.org"

The 'My Money Matters' advice service provided by Citizens Advice Shropshire for Three Parishes Big Local area residents is still active and supporting local people with advice about money, benefits and debt over the phone rather than face to face.

The My Money Matters Community Advisor, Karen Williams, can be contacted on 07526 169305 for telephone advice and appointments.

Anyone wishing to provide ideas or information, or to find out more about the Three Parishes Big Local programme, is asked to contact Bridget on phone or email, visit the website www.big-local.org, or view the 3PBigLocal Facebook page.