CHICHESTER District Council is getting ready to play its part in supporting Syrian refugees.

Councillors agreed to update the housing policy, last week, so the council can house around 10 Syrian families over a period of five years.

The Government has committed to housing 20,000 people Syrian Refugees in the UK and 240 of these will be in West Sussex.

The Government assigns the refugees to a local authority area and provides a grant to pay for the costs of the scheme.

Eileen Lintill, councillor for community services said:?“As a council, we are committed to play our part in supporting the government’s policy in supporting Syrian Refugees by welcoming around 10 families over a five-yar period within our district.

“These people have been through things that most of us cannot even imagine and deserve to live in a place where they are safe and secure.

“We are very grateful to all of those within our community who have already reached out to help.

“We would encourage everyone to welcome these people and help them to settle into their new areas when they arrive.”