Councillor calls for fairer distribution of estimated 2,000 Syrian refugees

Councillor Tom Hollis made the call today saying Mansfield Broxtowe Gedling and Nottingham City were the only councils in the region to have put themselves forward.

He said: “We all have a humanitarian responsibility to take these people - I am very happy for Ashfield to take its fair share as an area - but so far the distribution is very unfair

“In the whole of the East Midlands North Nottinghamshire and Leicester are the only places who have identified themselves so far in the first phase.

“In Phase 2 Chesterfield has identified itself but that again is very local to us.”

Coun Hollis estimated 2,000 Syrian refugees would be coming to the area after the Government committed itself to the UK taking in a total of 20,000 over five years.

He added:”I recognise 2,000 people is not a huge number over five years but concentrated in one area it will have an effect on our infrastructure, King’s Mill Hospital Doctors’ surgeries and the roads would all be put under increased pressure.

He added: “I want to know why we are having to shoulder the burden.

“The East Midlands is a big place but what about Northamptonshire and Rutland?”