A MILLENNIUM task force is now well underway following the signing of a partnership agreement between the public, voluntary and community sectors.

Five project groups have been set up to take forward local strategies, including a new code of practice for public and voluntary sector working together.

John Bunting, chairman of the Devon Local Development Agencies, said: 'West Devon has very strong foundations of voluntary and public sector working together.

'The important message being given here to volunteers and voluntary agencies is that the public sector values their contributions which are making a positive difference to the life of people in West Devon on a day to day basis. This partnership aims to build on these.'

Cllr Margaret Garton, mayor of West Devon, signed the agreement on behalf of the borough.

Cllr Garton, who is also chairman of the Community Council of Devon, said: 'My roots have always been in community working. Well before partnership became the fashionable phrase of government I was keen to see public, private and voluntary sectors working closer together.

'I have tremendous pleasure endorsing this initiative and wish everyone great success.'

Steve Bass, home office representative at the Government South West office, said: 'Devon is well in advance in developing work with public and voluntary sectors. Putting this partnership into practice will enable a move away from the historic hit and miss short term approach of funding arrangements for the voluntary sector.

'Joined up thinking should result in joined up funding to help everyone provide better public services.'

l Left to right are Philip Jenkinson, Devon County Council chief executive, Cllr Margaret Garton, mayor of West Devon and John Bunting, chairman of Devon Local Development Agencies Forum at the signing of the partnership agreement between the public, voluntary and community sectors.

Picture by Apex