BLACKBURN with Darwen remains ready to take extra refugees from war-torn areas of Africa and the Middle East if needed, borough leader Mohammed Khan has said.
He told colleagues at the full council forum last week that his officers were working with the Home Office and partners across the North West on the issue.
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For more than 15 years, Blackburn with Darwen has housed 350 asylum seekers under an agreement with the government.
Cllr Khan said: “We recognise the significant ongoing humanitarian crisis that the people of Syria are living with, and the dilemma and challenge this poses Europe.
“We cannot act autonomously to declare space or numbers.
“Up until last year, we were the only Lancashire authority prepared to provide support and help to 350 asylum seekers at any given time.”
Last month, Cllr Khan said the council was making contingency plans to take extra refugees if required.
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