Government's helping hand for local retired Gurkhas

Gurkha veterans in Nuneaton and Bedworth are to be given more help to integrate.



The borough council has been given government money to help them enjoy a better life in the two towns.

Around 160 of the retired legendary soldiers from Nepal, many of them with families, have made their home in the borough.

But some have struggled to adjust and the borough council has been granted £50,000 in government money to help.

Restaurateur Om Gurung, a former soldier and a leading figure in the Gurkha community, said: “It is very good news.

“I am delighted and the money will be of great benefit. I will tell the Gurkhas and they will be very pleased.”

Nuneaton and Bedworth is special to the veterans as the home of the British Gurkha Veterans Association which provides help and support.

Many of the retired soldiers served at Bramcote Barracks and then moved to live in the two towns.

“Many of them had not known life outside the barracks and some of them do struggle quite a lot,” said Om Gurung.

“We advise them on things like housing benefits, pension credits, bus passes, how to open bank accounts and pay bills,” said Om Gurung.

“They also need to learn English so that it will help when they do things like going shopping.”

Dennis Harvey, leader of the borough council,also welcomed the announcement that money is to be allocated to help retired Gurkhas and their families.

He said: “This is great news for the council and, more importantly, the Gurkha community in our borough and across the wider region.

“As the lead authority, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council will aim to work with the Gurkha community to support local infrastructure as well as improving access to community information and services to Gurkha veterans.”

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced the allocation of £1million of extra support to help the successful integration of retired Gurkha soldiers, not the Nepalese community as a whole, into the community.

The people of Nuneaton and Bedworth have long taken the soldiers from Nepal to their hearts.

They supported their campaign to stay in the UK after they retired and last year they were granted the Freedom of Entry to the Borough, the highest honour the council can bestow.