A NEW campaign has called on Colchester residents to do more for their community.

Essex County Council wants people to set up neighbourhood watch schemes, check on elderly neighbours, get parents more involved in their children’s education, keep healthy and recycle more.

The council’s Stepping Up Campaign, supported by Colchester Council, North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and Colchester Community Voluntary Services.

John Spence, county councillor responsible for finance, said: “We’re talking about five steps, but together they represent a triple-jump to mutual success. The more of these steps each of us takes, the better it is.”

Martin Hunt, leader of Colchester Council, said: “We can all step up and make an improvement in our lives and the lives of those around us.”

People can find out more from Colchester Library, by signing up to volunteer.

Beverley Oxford, Colchester councillor responsible for customers, said: “Whether it’s going online to access information, recycling waste, leading a more active lifestyle, helping vulnerable residents or practical community work, I encourage all residents to drop in.”

For more information, visit steppingup-essex.org.