Two more Syrian refugee families have been welcomed to Kingston, taking the number brought to the borough in the Government's Syrian Vulnerable Resettlement Scheme to 23.

The scheme supports the resettlement of vulnerable Syrian families who have fled war zones. Many refugees have experienced traumas such as torture, the deaths of loved ones and the loss of everything they own. They have fled in a desperate search for safety, the majority with young children.

A council spokeswoman said: “Kingston has been playing its part in the resettlement programme since November 2015 and we are delighted to have welcomed two more families who have been living in war torn areas in Syria.

“The success of this programme is down to residents helping us finding suitable accommodation to help house the families. We need your help in being able to resettle more families into the area.”

The council, working with partners such as Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) has committed to bring 50 Syrian refugees, directly from the Middle East, to be housed and relocated in the borough.

The UK government is taking part in the UN’s programme to resettle refugees who have fled from their home countries, including those affected by conflict or civil war. The Prime Minister announced in September 2015 that the UK would accept up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years.

The council is looking for more people who are landlord who have a self contained flat or house they would be willing to rent for a minimum of a year to a Syrian family. Call 020 8547 5412/4686 or email syrianproject@kingston.gov.uk. The council said competitive rents are offered within Local Housing Allowance Rates and in addition a landlord premium is paid in advance.