Syrian refugees will be housed in Ely if the Government asks for it and provides funding, it has been confirmed, following news that Peterborough District Council has agreed to house 100 Syrian families.

Ely Standard: Syrian refugees could be rehomed in Ely if the Government both requests it and offers fundingSyrian refugees could be rehomed in Ely if the Government both requests it and offers funding (Image: Archant)

Peterborough this week agreed to resettle Syrian refugees over a period of five years with the first families expected to arrive in Autumn.

A spokesman for East Cambridgeshire’ District Council said: “Current position, as pledged by our administration, is many residents have been affected by the displacement of the people of Syria as a result of the onward assault from ISIS.

“Central Government has made a clear commitment to take 20,000 refugees from camps in Syria and if we at East Cambridgeshire are requested to take some of these refugees and there is Government funding to do so, we will.

“Unlike some other authorities we do not have housing stock but we are aware of empty Ministry of Defence housing in Ely and will contact the Ministry to see if these houses may be utilised.”

At Peterborough five families will resettle in the city every year for the next five years.

Family groups will typically be two adults and two children.

Councillor John Holdich, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “The government has confirmed that we will receive appropriate levels of funding for these families.

“That means that we can be sure that we’re offering them the help that they need and over the next few months we will be making appropriate arrangements to prepare for their arrival.

“This city has a long and proud history of welcoming those that need our help and we will be working with groups from across our community that have already offered their assistance.”

Wendi-Ogle Welbourn, corporate director for people and communities at Peterborough City Council said: “We will be supported by members and organisations from the city’s Diversity Forum so it will be a real community effort.”