February 9, 2001 9:55: MEMBERS of the ethnic minority community in Chiltern district are being asked to come forward and become voluntary translators.
Chiltern district councillor Mimi Harker wants translators available on call to guarantee a smooth provision of council services.
Cllr Harker (Con, Chesham Bois and Weedon Hill) thought up the idea after hearing about plans to produce information leaflets in different languages.
The plans, being considered by Buckinghamshire County Council, are similar to schemes already implemented by other district councils including Wycombe and Aylesbury.
Cllr Harker said: "Volunteers can be anyone from any community: Chinese, Asian, Jewish, Polish. Effective communication really is the key if council services are to be delivered as well as they can be. If we produce leaflets and they aren't effective or they are not being used then we are wasting money."
Peter Mudge, spokesman for Chiltern District Council, said any plans to produce leaflets in the district were at their very early stages.
Call Cllr Harker for more details on (01494) 728906.
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