Call for clarity on Syrian refugees
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HIGHLAND Council has denied claims Syrian refugees will not be moving to Caithness as part of its plans to relocate 30 families in the Highlands.
Wick Community Council chairman Niall Smith claimed the authority is looking to house all refugee families in the inner Moray Firth area rather than use council or affordable housing in Caithness, some of which has been empty for more than a year.
Highland Council held a meeting yesterday morning regarding refugee planning but a spokeswoman said no locations have yet been finalised.
Mr Smith made the claim on Monday night during the community council’s meeting.
He spoke out after hearing about attempts in Thurso to set up voluntary groups to welcome families to the area and offer information and support.
He is calling for Highland Council to clarify where in the region families will be relocated so no time is wasted by setting up these groups if there is nobody for them to welcome.
“I received information which came from a high-level community planning partnership meeting that under no circumstances would any Syrian refugees be coming to Caithness,” he said.
“They would find any housing they can in the inner Moray Firth rather than move any refugees to empty council houses in Caithness.
“I have spoken to housing officers and council equality officers about this information but they knew nothing about it.
“People in Thurso shouldn’t be trying to organise voluntary support groups if there has been a decision taken that refugees will not be moving here.
“We need clarity to find out if a decision has been made.”
The council spokeswoman said the authority is considering its options.
“A decision on housing locations has not yet been made,” she said. “There has been a good response to an appeal for registering available private housing and we would like to thank people for their interest.
“A range of housing options are being considered in tandem with the availability of GP services, social care, education, interpretation and other support services.”
It was revealed in October that Highland Council would be welcoming 30 Syrian families as part of the national resettlement programme.
The first are to arrive in January with the remainder moving to the area in the next few months.
Wick Highland councillor Gail Ross did not have any confirmation Caithness would be considered for housing the refugees but said she would be pressing for answers.
“There will be no refugees moving to the Highlands until after New Year as there is so much work to do to make sure all the services are in place,” she stated.
“I was not aware of the meeting but I will try to find out more about it.”
