REFUGEES from the Caribbean island of Montserrat devastated by volcanic eruptions will arrive in Blackburn this week.

The council has responded to an urgent appeal from the Home Office to find accommodation for the islanders and 40 refugees will be housed around the borough.

Eleven council homes have been made available for the refugees, flown into Britain at the expense of the Home Office.

Now the council is seeking advice from other authorities who have already provided accommodation to islanders since the volcano began to threaten their homes. Council staff, Lancashire Social Services and the Benefits Agency are set to co-ordinate a welcoming committee to make sure all the islanders have everything they need. Joint deputy council leader Coun Bill Taylor said: "The refugees are in a desperate plight. They have suffered the trauma of losing their homes and have had to flee their homeland .

"We accept our share of Britain's international responsibility for them."

He added: "We will be working with all relevant organisations to help the new arrivals fit into their new surroundings and hope they will receive a typical warm Lancashire reception."

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