THE leader of Essex County Council has asked you to help it save £200,000 a day by picking up litter or checking on elderly neighbours.

David Finch wants people to be good citizens as his authority tries to find £237million in savings over the next three years.

The call comes in the wake of the new Care Bill, which will mean 3,000 more residents will have to turn to County Hall to help with their care home bills.

Mr Finch said: “There will be a need for people to try and do more for themselves, rather than thinking that it is a district or a county council’s responsibility.

“For example, if you’ve got elderly people on your street, your village or your town, check on that elderly person and see if they’re OK. The more we can do to help people as a good neighbour, the better.

“I think if we can find ten minutes, or half an hour just to help someone, or do something to help young people, or go litter picking or whatever, then that will help.”

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