Private landlords who can offer family homes to Afghan refugees are being asked to contact West Oxfordshire District Council.

Council leader Michele Mead said: “The recent events in Afghanistan, and the suffering experienced by people fleeing the country under threat of violence, make us feel thankful we live in a free, democratic society.

“At West Oxfordshire District Council we are committed to playing our part to support those fleeing persecution, especially when many of those Afghan families currently entering the country have supported our military over recent years. We have been working closely with partners for months to prepare for the current refugees entering the country."

Councillor Merilyn Davies, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, added: “We are currently working hard to identify our share of homes in the district which will work both for the families coming into our area and our local communities. The Syrian refugee programme over recent years showed how supportive and welcoming our communities are with many local groups set up to help the families looking to start a new life.

“To help our current effort we are looking for private landlords to come forward with three to four bed homes in the local area we could use."

If you can help, visit the website for more information at www.westoxon.gov.uk/refugeesupport