Syria crisis: council takes 50 refugees

A group of Syrians, Afghans and Palestinians has just arrived to the coast of Lesvos. Greece, September 7, 2015. Photo by Anna Pantelia/Depo Photos/ABACAPRESS.COM ... Refugees Arrives In Lesvos Island - Greece ... 08-09-2015 ... Lesvos Island ... Greece ... Photo credit should read: Depo Photos/ABACA. Unique Reference No. 24028309 ...

The pledge comes after the government promised to rehome 20,000 Syrian refugees in over the next five years.

Councillor Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council, said: “Over the past few weeks, most people have been moved by the images of the problems facing the refugees forced out of their homes by the war in Syria. That’s why Calderdale Council has agreed on a cross-party basis that we should be playing our part in helping.”

The fifty Syrians who come to Calerdale will be a mixture of adults and families with children. With that in mind, the council have begun preparations for their arrival.

Councillor Swift (Lab, Town) said: “We’re now making sure that all the necessary arrangements, such as housing and school places, are ready in time for their arrival over the coming months, so that they can settle quickly into their new life here.”

There are already upwards of 200 asylum seekers and refugees living in Calderdale as the region is part of a national program which provides refuge for victims of war and persecution.

To help ease the transition for the Syrian refugees, the council has formed a partnership with St Augustine’s Centre in Halifax.

St Augustine’s is a community centre which already provides support and advice for refugees, asylum seekers and other marginalised people.

Vicky Ledwidge, from the centre, said: “We’re delighted to support the council in the work they’re doing and will be there to be a family for those who might not have one here.”