COMMUNITY development officers in Warrington are celebrating after being given permission to fill two vacant jobs.

Posts in the Whitecross and Orford areas were left vacant after two officers resigned.

Brian Thomas, community development officer, believes the role is vital to many Warrington communities.

He said: "We have a team of seven community development officers who work throughout the borough particularly in areas of Warrington without parish councils.

"The aim of the role is to provide communities with help, support and direction to improve the quality of life.

"They set up community and residents' associations and highlight problems in the area. For example, if unemployment is high, job clubs can be set up, or if child care is lacking, they would look at creating mums and tots groups.

"They are providing communities with solidarity and support and raising awareness of what they can do for themselves."

He is pleased permission has been granted by council chiefs to carry on the roles.

"We have been given permission to fill both posts and will be advertising them soon. Hopefully we should have people in the roles by, at the latest, April.

"In the mean time, we are using our resources to cover the roles as best we can. We are confident we can provide expected levels of service," he said.

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