REFUGEES from Afghanistan are currently being housed in a Dorset hotel as they await permanent accommodation.

An undisclosed number of families who fled the war-torn nation have sought refuge in Dorset and are being temporarily housed in a hotel by BCP Council.

The local authority has renewed its appeal to landlords and second-home owners who might be able to assist in providing longer term accommodation for the families.

Councillor Robert Lawton, portfolio holder for housing at BCP Council said: “We are continuing to work with the Home Office on meeting the immediate needs of those Afghan families who were transferred to a temporary home at a local hotel.

“Alongside our community sector and health partners, work remains ongoing to establish what the health requirements are of the family groups and to provide essential services for the children plus address other urgent needs as they arise.

The council, which is currently in discussions with South West Councils, along with partner agencies and community groups, says it has pledged its commitment to supporting families devastated by the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

Dorset Echo:

Councillor Robert Lawton

Cllr Robert Lawton said: “Families will remain in their temporary accommodation at the hotel until longer term / permanent accommodation is found for them across the country.

“Whilst the Home Office is coordinating this temporary accommodation, we continue to also assist the Home Office by appealing for private landlords and second home owners to contact us if they think they are in a position to help provide longer term accommodation.

“We have already had some come forward and we are pleased to be welcoming our first family to settle permanently in the BCP area in the next week or so and are currently still evaluating other properties.”

There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the community across the conurbation towards the refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

Hundreds of items have been donated in the last month and £20,000 worth of children’s clothing were also gifted to families by Kite in Poole.

BCP Council has created a dedicated webpage providing information on how local people can offer their support, whilst also signposting those who are concerned about relatives living in Afghanistan to government support services.

Visit www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Supporting-Afghanistan for more information.

Anyone able to offer a suitable property in the area should email the council.