CRAVEN is ready to help with the resettlement of refugees fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.

Councillor Richard Foster, leader of Craven District Council, said the council was committed to doing its bit, but was waiting for details from the Government before it could confirm its participation.

He said: “We have all seen the sights at Kabul airport and many Afghan people have been assisting British service personnel whilst on duty in Afghanistan.

“Craven is committed to doing its bit to resettle refugees from Afghanistan, however we are awaiting specific details of the resettlement scheme requirements from central government before we can confirm our participation.”

Cllr Foster added: “Accommodating refugees in any area is about much more than finding them somewhere to live. There are also wider issues to consider such as health and social care, integration into the community, education and so it will be important to work closely with North Yorkshire County Council and other district partners and agencies that have the expertise and resources to help.”

Thousands have already left Afghanistan after the takeover by the Taliban which led to the government’s collapse.

Anyone who helped western forces in Afghanistan, such as interpreters, could be brutally targeted by the new regime.

The UK government has promised to settle at least 5,000 Afghan nationals who worked with British armed forces in the next year.

North Yorkshire County Council said last week it was offering homes in the county to Afghan workers who had supported the UK armed forces in Afghanistan and who were now under threat by the Taliban.

Neil Irving, the county council's assistant director for policy, partnerships and communities said: “So far the councils in North Yorkshire have agreed to resettle about eight families. The people we are welcoming to North Yorkshire have shown great courage in supporting British troops in the face of high personal risk. With the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, they now face increased threats to their lives, so it is right for us to honour their service by offering them our protection.

“We are confident that their settlement and integration will be safe and as smooth as possible.”