EAST Hampshire District Council (EHDC) is working with other authorities and volunteer groups to identify the best way to support Syrian refugees in the district.

The council is joining forces with Hampshire County Council and the Rural Refugee Network, a volunteer hub which works across East Hampshire and West Sussex.

District council leader Ferris Cowper said: “While EHDC remains really supportive I must stress that it is important that a fully co-ordinated approach is taken across Hampshire ensuring appropriate support networks are in place.

“I would also like to reassure local residents that any help provided to refugees will not have any detrimental impact on our customers. Any accommodation that is identified for refugees will be properties that would not normally have been made available to the council to use to assist potential homeless families.”

EHDC and its partners are searching for family accommodation through the private rented sector and exploring opportunities through churches and volunteer agencies.

In September, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the UK would seek to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years.

Anyone with a property they have to let should contact EHDC?service manager Tracey Wood at [email protected] or [email protected].