DENBIGHSHIRE County Council has announced it will welcome refugee families from Ukraine, as part of its on-going commitment to support the UK Resettlement Scheme.

The council has processes in place and is making the preparations to extend and accelerate the offer of resettling families from Ukraine, once further guidance has been received from the Welsh and UK Governments.

The council has a long history of accommodating and supporting refugees and has pledged to welcome families every year.

Over the last five years, the council has resettled 25 families, made up of 95 individuals, predominantly in response to the refuge crisis in Syria and Afghanistan.

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Cllr Bobby Feeley, cabinet lead member for well-being and independence, said: “The heart-breaking scenes being broadcast from Ukraine every single day has shocked the nation and many people want to share their support to the thousands of people that have fled their homes as the situation continues to escalate.

“The council feels honoured to have helped refugees from Syria and Afghanistan to resettle safely in our county and we are extending our hand of friendship to families from Ukraine that now find themselves in desperate need of refuge.

“Through Home Office funding, we are well placed to provide that support with a dedicated team of staff working directly with families, as well as support from partners in the third sector and from local volunteer groups.”

As always, the council has received many kind offers of help from residents of Denbighshire.

If anyone has any enquiries, they should email ukresettlement@denbighshire.gov.uk, and the council will be happy to share its plans, once details of the UK schemes have been agreed.

Meanwhile, the Ukranian flag will be flown at County Hall, Ruthin and Russell House, Rhyl from Tuesday, March 15 as a mark of the council’s support to those affected.