COUNCILLORS today backed proposals to allow asylum seekers to work as soon as they enter Britain.

Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced a review of the procedures surrounding the dispersal of asylum seekers once they arrive in this country.

Currently, asylum seekers spend time at centres near to where they arrive before being sent to different locations.

The move comes after the council revealed some asylum-seekers had been rehoused after threats and abuse.

But community leaders said asylum-seekers have generally had a warm reception in East Lancashire.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for citizens' rights and consumer affairs on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "As a council we would welcome these proposals. It seems to make sense to allow people arriving in this country to use their skills for good of everybody."

"We have a good track record for welcoming people from troubled areas and the borough accommodated many Kosovar refugees very successfully during the conflict in that region."

She also revealed the council -- which currently has around 30 families of asylum seekers on its books with 125 due over the next five years -- had refused to sign a new contract with the Government which would have meant the council received less money for housing asylum seekers.

Coun Edmund Critchley, a Lib Dem councillor, said: "I welcome this decision to review the system because it will give the people coming here the chance to make a worthwhile contribution to the place where they are living.

"Any resentment for the fact they aren't working should be dispelled and it will stop them kicking their heels for six months. They bring valuable skills at a time when we are short of some skilled professions."