A NEW public citizens' unit is to be set up in Preston in a bid to educate people on their rights under the new Human Rights legislation which comes into effect next month.

It comes as Preston's Citizens' Rights experts reveal that more than £6million of welfare benefits went unclaimed last year.

The new unit will be launched in the next few weeks and thousands of leaflets advertising a full range of services will be offered to residents throughout the borough.

Next month, Liberal Democrat councillors will also spearhead a series of roadshows aimed at training and briefing people on all aspects of citizens' rights.

Party leaders say people are increasingly faced with a wide range of consumer rights, welfare rights, employment rights and democratic rights.

Also, they are now turning to litigation to challenge doctors, the police and housing agencies. Liberal Democrats say that people's rights are one of the biggest and most emotive political issues of the century and that democratically elected representatives should help to make sure people know their rights and responsibilities.

The Public Citizens' Rights Unit intends to act as a watchdog, hold training meetings, campaign for changes in the law and signpost people towards the advice that they need.

The Liberal Democrats Human Rights roadshow, headed by Preston Lib Dem's party leader councillor Bill Chadwick, will be held on Tuesday October 3 at 7pm at Ingol Library, Friday, October 13 at 7.30pm at Oaktree Court, Preesall Close, Lea and Tuesday, October 24 at 7.30pm at Preston Town Hall, in Fishergate.

Coun Chadwick said: "Preston's Liberal Democrats want to be at the forefront of providing good quality information about rights in general. Our new unit will focus on issues that matter."