BLACKPOOL is probably one of the least easy places to find accommodation for refugees, says its council leader.

Coun Ivan Taylor was speaking after the government asked local authorities all over the country to identify suitable accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers, aiming to ease the pressure on channel ports and London.

"We are sympathetic to the problem," said Coun Taylor, "but Blackpool is probably one of the least easy places for that to happen because it's such a high pressure area for housing."

Blackpool Council has already told the government it has no spare council housing - indeed it has a lengthy waiting list of local people - but it has passed the appeal out to the private sector, including private landlords and housing associations.

"If they identify that they've got spare capacity then we'll pass it on, or they can tell the government themselves," said Coun Taylor. "The town has to be seen to be looking at taking some refugees. If the private sector feels able to do so, then who am I to argue?"

If the government said Blackpool would have to take a certain number, then they would work with the private sector to see what could be done, he said, but they have not said that so far.

"The refugees should be dispersed around the country. It's quite obvious that the Channel ports and London cannot take such a disproportionate burden - we don't have an argument with that," said Coun Taylor, "but clearly some areas are in a better position to help out than others."

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