THE Vale of Glamorgan council has set aside £100,000 over a two year period to support asylum seekers and refugees.

Moving swiftly to offer its support to refugees displaced by the crisis in the Middle East, the Vale council will participate in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme and the Home Office scheme associated with the resettlement of Afghan individuals and families.

Councillor Bronwen Brooks, Cabinet Member for Housing, Building Services and Community Safety said: “Few people could not have been touched by the images broadcast on our television screens over the past few weeks of families fleeing their war-torn countries in search of safety and a new beginning.

"The needs of people displaced by the crisis in the Middle East are immediate and require a swift response from public bodies and partner organisations.”

She added: “We do not underestimate the scale or the complexities of this unprecedented humanitarian crisis nor the preparations and planning required to offer tangible support to families coming to Wales.

"The Vale of Glamorgan Council is however committed to playing its part in supporting the refugees and believes that this can be best achieved through a co-ordinated and regional response.

"To this end, the council has already met with colleagues at Cardiff City Council, Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board and community groups.”