Refugees to make a temporary home in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Refugees from Afghanistan will be making their home in Staffordshire on a temporary basis.

A number of refugees who helped British Forces in Afghanistan will be calling Staffordshire their home until they are offered permanent locations across the country.

The county council was contacted by the Home Office this week and advised that suitable accommodation had been identified in Newcastle-under-Lyme to house refugees who have completed quarantine.

The county council is working with the Home Office, district and borough councils and other partners to ensure the ongoing safety of these refugees while they are housed in temporary accommodation.

Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council said: “We have all been saddened by the events in Afghanistan, and we have a duty to support those who have been forced to flee their country.

“We have already pledged to support around 20 families as part of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, and we are proud to be able to do our bit to help these people.

“The Home Office contacted us to ask for help in housing refugees on a temporary basis, and we are working with them plus our district and borough councils, and other partners to ensure they can be safely accommodated.”

Leader of Newcastle Borough Council Simon Tagg said: “Some time ago we pledged our support to help refugees and their families who have assisted British forces in Afghanistan, and have now had to flee their home country.

“The Borough Council is now working with partners to ensure these people are safely accommodated in our borough, and will continue to support them in this temporary accommodation before they find permanent homes across the country. Their safety and security and that of the community as a whole is a priority.”