A NEW scheme to help meet the needs of ethnic minority communities living in Okehampton, has been set up.

The Devon Racial Equality Council will be joining the weekly drop-in surgeries held at West Devon Borough Council's Okehampton customer service centre, to meet communities living in the borough, including migrant workers.

The council will offer free advice and information on issues such as housing, schools, access to public services and legal advice and representation.

The borough council's surgery in St James Street is a single point of contact for numerous local services such as the police, fire service and NHS, and is popular with residents and businesses alike.

The borough's equality champion and deputy leader Cllr Margaret Garton, said the council was confident residents and businesses would get a better understanding of the benefits a healthy and diverse community will bring to an area.

She said: 'The borough council does everything within its power to promote equality and access to services amongst its residents.

'Discrimination of any kind has a negative impact on the community and I am confident that the expertise and advice offered by the equality council, will greatly enhance the quality of life of everyone across the borough.'

Anyone who wants more information can phone Devon Racial Equality Council on 01392 422566 or 07961 896 262.