KOSOVO refugees could soon be moving into their own homes in the Chesham area of Bury.

Empty council houses are being lined up so they can move out of their base at the Geoffrey Kershaw Centre and lead independent lives.

Housing bosses are trying to identify properties which are in low demand so that people on the waiting list are not penalised.

But they are having to juggle this with the need to keep friends and families together, and keep children near to schools which can help them with language difficulties.

There are 32 youngsters, most of them of primary school age, who will need to be found school places. Housing officers have largely dismissed plans to house refugees in the south of the borough, mainly for educational reasons: high schools in the area are full up and awaiting appeals for places. Also, the vast majority of the language access service is based in Bury, so pupils would have to be bussed to the north of the borough.

A list of properties is being drawn up, mostly in Chesham. Most of these are low demand homes but, because of the aforementioned refugees' needs, they have had to put in seven houses categorised as medium demand, ie. applicants on the waiting list can be found for them.

Mr Jim Wilson, chief social services officer, said the council was putting together a resettlement package which would be finalised within two months.

"We are in the process of identifying properties, getting them set up, and arranging support services including interpreters to help them manage ordinary activities like shopping or communicate their need for housing repairs or medical needs."

While the DSS may help with items like furniture and beds, the refugees may need items such as kettles and irons. The council will launch an appeal if need be.

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