A NEW scheme promises to improve town communities by forming paid teams of local residents.

Eastlight Community Homes has announced its is creating four teams who will create solutions to a big social issue before making it happen in their community.

Applications to join the teams, to be based in or near Colchester, Braintree, Witham and Halstead, are now open.

No qualifications are required to apply. Instead, applicants will write about a community issue that they are passionate about.

The teams will be a key element of All In, Eastlight’s new community programme to put power in the hands of residents which is backed by Witham MP Priti Patel.

Emma Palmer, Eastlight’s Chief Executive, said: “As the UK’s largest community-led housing association, we know there are brilliant local residents out there with the passion and drive to make our communities even better places to call home.

“Our All In teams are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local residents to come together and tackle the social issues that impact on the lives of so many.

“Like everywhere, our communities have endured a tough two years, and I’m excited to see the amazing ideas they’ll develop.”

While Eastlight will employ the teams and provide support throughout, they will be given the freedom to decide what issues they want to address and how they should be tackled.

According to Eastlight, a recent survey by them and YouGov found social issues impacting residents most in mid and north Essex were mental health, anti-social behaviour and opportunities for young people.

These issues were also voiced by residents Eastlight staff met during an ice cream van tour of Colchester, Clacton, Braintree, Witham, Halstead, Silver End, Sible Hedingham and Dedham last summer.

The findings have been turned into a video exhibition at Eastlight’s headquarters in Braintree.

Eastlight say customers also have the opportunity to ensure they get needed homes and services by joining its Customer Influence Committee.

Residents on the committee are paid to champion the needs of residents living in the 12,500 homes owned by Eastlight

To apply to join an All In community team, visit weareallin.co.uk