LEADERS in Redditch have vowed to help refugees from Afghanistan when they arrive to make new lives in the UK, as the county prepares for the first arrivals.

Hundreds of Afghan refugees will be helped to resettle in the county with the first family arriving this week, it has been revealed.

Worcestershire County Council said it has made plans to welcome 250 refugees fleeing conflict and danger in Afghanistan in the next five years as part of the latest Afghan Citizen’s Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).

The council has also agreed to welcome 30 families as part of the government’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) which helps anyone currently or previously employed by the UK in Afghanistan – such as interpreters – who are at serious risk from the Taliban.

Redditch "stands ready" to help, the town's MP has vowed.

Rachel Maclean said: “Political parties, charities and organisations have come together to discuss how Redditch can help support Afghans arriving in Worcestershire.

“We’re united in our determination to repay the immense debt we owe the brave Afghans who worked alongside our Armed Forces, as well as Afghans who face a particular risk from the Taliban.

“My team and I have already been co-ordinating the offers of help I have received from constituents. I have been humbled, but not surprised by the number of emails I’ve received from constituents and businesses who want to help. Redditch is an incredibly kind and warm-hearted town.

“Redditch stands ready to give Afghans and their families the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

Efforts to help have crossed political divides.

Sharon Harvey, from Redditch Labour, said: "Redditch Labour Party are committed to supporting any Afghan refugees who will be housed in Redditch, and across Worcestershire. We are a warm and welcoming town, proud of our diversity and ready to accept a new community of people who will have a wealth of skills, expertise and experience to share with us.

"We are working alongside other political groups, local churches and various community groups as well as communicating openly with residents who have shown their support with extremely generous donations for welcome packs. Redditch Labour Party will play a full part in the resettlement of these brave Afghans who have supported the British Armed Forces for the past 20 years."

At a full council meeting at County Hall on September 9, Cllr Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: “Worcestershire is playing its part in all the various programmes.

“We want to make sure those who have served and supported Britain’s mission over 20 years and those people that need to come to the UK are accommodated in a safe and secure environment.”

Cllr Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council and county cabinet member for communities, said the first of 30 families resettling as part of the ARAP scheme would be arriving this week in Worcester with another two families settling in Wychavon and Malvern Hills.

He added the council had a good track record of stepping up to the plate when it needed to, and work had already started to welcome refugees to the county.