A POPULAR Christchurch character has been welcomed into a new role encouraging community links in Somerford.

Jae Harris has been meeting people as part of his new role as community liaison officer with Sovereign Housing Association.

He is already well known for his role with Christchurch Activities for Young People, which funded a number of activities in Somerford.

“Sovereign has embarked on a number of redevelopment projects in this area, and my job is to be Sovereign’s representative on the ground, linking in with the whole community of Somerford, including non-Sovereign residents, to make sure their views are taken into account,” Jae explained.

Jae has been involved on the estate in a voluntary capacity for nine years.

He was originally employed by Christchurch Borough Council and local schools to direct social and recreational activities to children and families.

He then helped set up a charitable community interest company, Christchurch Activities for Young People (CAYP), delivering the same service on a voluntary basis.

This organisation already had a close relationship with Sovereign after the housing association funded a number of the group’s activities in the Somerford area.

“Sovereign always tries to take into account the wishes of the local community and this new role is an important way of us listening to what people think about what is happening in Somerford, and ensuring that it is reflected in our plans,” said Luke Bingham, Sovereign’s regional director for Dorset.

Chris Hopkins, chairman of the Somerford Community Partnership, added: “Sovereign couldn’t have picked a better person for the role; Jae is already a big part of the community and is well respected for his tireless work with young people and families.”

Sovereign has begun work on redeveloping the housing on Scotts Green in Somerford.