Wrexham councillors agree to welcome Afghan families whose lives are in danger

The families will be coming over to Wrexham as part of the Home Office's Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy.

The Afghan residents and their families have worked for the UK government, mainly as interpreters.

Now that international troops are leaving Afghanistan, the families concerned are in danger from the Taliban due to the work they have done.

Local authorities across the UK were invited to welcome families and Wrexham has offered to house ten, having initially been asked to take five families.

Wrexham's role in the relocation scheme has been led by the council's lead officer for people, Cllr Hugh Jones.

He said that the families coming to Wrexham would be supported in accessing housing and education.

The relocation plans, which are funded by the UK Government, were agreed in a meeting of Wrexham Council's executive board.

Cllr Hugh Jones was unable to attend the meeting due to technical issues and so Cllr David Griffiths, who has also worked on the project, spoke on his behalf and put forward the proposal.

He said: "The UK Government is seeking support from all local authorities to provide accommodation and integration.

"We are looking to relocate up to ten families in Wrexham and to give them the necessary support from ourselves and other organisations and volunteers so they can relocate to our country safely."

Cllr Griffiths said he had received a letter of support for the proposal from a local army veteran who is now an armed forces liaison officer.

He added that the veteran had stated that these families were vital to the UK's efforts in Afghanistan, saving countless lives through their work, and it was important that they were supported in relocating.

Cllr David Bithell seconded the proposal, which would see the families receiving 12 months' funding from the Home Office to ensure they could move into private accommodation in Wrexham.

Council leader, Cllr Mark Pritchard said: "A big thank you to all members and elected members who have put their full support behind this.

"We have individuals here who have helped and supported the British military and saved lives.

"Lots of soldiers have come home from this conflict because of the help and support we have had from interpreters.

"I think that's a wonderful contribution from Wrexham."

Cllr Phil Wynn said: "I'm very proud to support the recommendations that David has moved today."

Cllr Dana Davies added: "Our Afghan friends and their families have risked their lives to save our parents and spouses and children so we have a moral duty to support this report."