PREPARATIONS are being made in the event of refugees being resettled in Dorset, it has been revealed.

Leader of Dorset County Council Cllr Robert Gould confirmed meetings had taken place to consider the issues surrounding Syrian refugees.

Cllr Gould spoke in response to a question submitted by county councillor Paul Kimber at the most recent full council meeting.

Cllr Kimber asked the council what it was doing generally in readiness for refugees coming to Dorset.

In response, Cllr Gould said: “The council has been involved in a range of meetings held regionally to consider the issues surrounding Syrian refugees since the initial government announcements.

“We have not received a request for action to this point and meetings have been about keeping us informed and understanding what needs there may be.

“However, specific work is now ongoing to establish what our role would be as a request may be forthcoming in coming months.

“A meeting has been arranged for May 16 for all council services who will need to work with us in resettling refugees in our area across the councils in Dorset."

A representative of South West Councils, which is working with the Home Office on the second phase of the resettlement programme, was invited to this meeting but is unable to attend.

Cllr Gould added: “Children’s Services have participated in some regional meetings in preparation for any refugees who may be unaccompanied children.

“As the needs become known we will of course ensure that all members are updated and briefed on the council’s position.”

Cllr Gould issued this response prior to last week’s government announcement that it would be willing to accept unaccompanied refugee children from Europe.

Prime Minister David Cameron did not issue a specific figure but ministers will talk to local councils to discuss what assistance they can offer.