'I would like to see us go above and beyond': Stafford MP encourages warm welcome for Syrian refugees
People in Stafford are being encouraged to welcome two Syrian refugee families who have arrived in the borough.
The arrival of the two refugee families marked the first step of the county's commitment to taking in 50 refugees.
A total of 10 people, a family of four and a family of six, are now settling in to their new homes.
Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said he welcomed the refugees and encouraged the people of Staffordshire to do the same.
He said: "I am very pleased that the families have arrived and I am sure that the people of Staffordshire will give them a warm welcome.
"I have supported the arrival of refugees in Staffordshire in the past and I would like to see us go above and beyond what we have said we would do to help others.
"I think the British way of helping refugees is the right way to approach the subject."
Tony Pearce, campaign organiser for Stafford Welcomes Refugees, said: "We welcome these people who have come from such a devastated area to live in our midst.
"Although they are only being granted temporary accommodation here we hope that people throughout Staffordshire welcome them the same.
"We have worked to try and ensure systems are in place to help these people when they do arrive but the most important thing is how they will be treated by their neighbours."
The arrivals come after months of work by Staffordshire County Council, district and borough councils and charity Refugee Action to ensure the county has everything in place for the arrival of refugees. This includes providing a safe and secure environment with access to adequate medical provision, suitable housing, and school places, if needed.
Stafford Borough Council community boss Jeremy Pert said earlier this week that he was 'delighted' the borough had taken the lead on the county's commitment to welcoming refugees.
He also said that another group will be arriving before the end of April, so his borough would have fulfilled their commitment by then.
The people coming to the UK from Syria are fleeing a violent civil war that has meant the country's infrastructure, healthcare, education and economy has been virtually destroyed.
Julie Kashirahamwe, National Resettlement Manager at Refugee Action said: "Refugee Action is delighted to welcome the Syrian families and individuals who arrived safely in Staffordshire on Tuesday.
"These refugees who have been through so much already; surviving the horrific realities of conflict and violence and now our dedicated staff and volunteers will begin the process of helping these new arrivals rebuild their lives and enabling to integrate with local communities in the area."
