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A senior councillor has claimed community-spirited volunteers are being asked to "pay for the privilege" of dedicating their time to enhance parks and public spaces. Tottington Independent councillor Yvonne Wright, a member of Bury council for 25 years, stated that the council expects volunteers from green groups , including litter pickers and civic pride groups, to cover their own insurance costs. Councillor Wright, who has volunteered with several charities and civic groups for many years, said one group, Tottington Civic Pride, was told by a council officer that they were asking people to pay their own public liability insurance. To view planning applications; traffic and road diversions and layout changes; and more, you can visit the Public Notices Portal here. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here A cabinet member of Bury council commented: "'We are working on a solution to this", reports the Manchester Evening News . Councillor Wright's initial reaction to the request for payment of insurance was 'you must be joking'. "We've never, ever been asked to pay public liability insurance because volunteers are giving their time for free," she declared. "We're a small group of pensioners who go out every week for hours to make a difference to the town. "We also have volunteer litter pickers as we do all over the borough. "I found it appalling and so did the other members and residents, they told me it was diabolical. "Do Bury Hospice charge volunteers? Does Bury Blind Society charge volunteers for pubic liability insurance? Do they heck." Coun Wright raised the issue at a full council meeting in Bury. She stated: "Bury council now expects volunteers from green groups which includes litter pickers and civic pride groups to pay their own insurance. "These volunteers work throughout our borough for free, many providing their own tools. "Bury council, unlike any organisation or charity I know of, now wants them to pay for the privilege. "Would this council now demonstrate that you do value volunteers and please u-turn this terrible decision before you lose the goodwill of both volunteers and Bury residents alike?". In response, cabinet member Alan Quinn, said: "As I understand if a council employee is with the group then they are insured but if they're working on their own they aren't. "I need to know the reason why and I've been in contact with one of the officers to find out. "I think we are working on a solution to this. "We do value the groups. For instance the Friends of Springwater Park go balsam bashing and even test the water quality and get on me if they think United Utilities are polluting the River Irwell. "We have volunteers all over and without them Burrs Country Park, Philips Park and others would be a mess. "There will be a reason for this. I will find out and get back to you."
