A NEW scheme aimed at improving community spirit throughout Suffolk is being extended to Ipswich where it will be introduced into one of the most deprived wards in the town.

A NEW scheme aimed at improving community spirit throughout Suffolk is being extended to Ipswich where it will be introduced into one of the most deprived wards in the town.

Suffolk ACRE is to launch its Good Neighbour Scheme in Bridge ward, which includes Old Stoke and Maidenhall.

A team of volunteers is to be formed who will then offer their services to people in the area who need help for simple tasks.

It may be getting a lift into the town or help collecting shopping or the pension. It could be getting help to fill in a form or for simple household repairs like changing a light bulb or fuse.

All the volunteers have to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau and once a team is established they are given a mobile phone which is held by the person on duty.

Scheme co-ordinator Gavin Hodge said: “The Good Neighbour scheme has worked very well in some of the rural areas of the county, and we are now hoping to extend it to urban areas as well.

“We chose Bridge Ward to start because it is one of the most deprived areas of Suffolk and we felt the scheme could make a big difference.

Leaflets are being distributed in the area asking people to let Suffolk ACRE know if they are willing to volunteer or if they need help.