Cumbernauld and Kilsyth not included in latest intake of refugees

A second group of refugees has arrived in North Lanarkshire but Cumbernauld and Kilsyth were not judged the best locations for them.

A 36- strong group who had previously been living in temporary camps in Lebanon, Turkey, arrived in Scotland last week.

They have now been sent to addresses in Motherwell and Bellshill.

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Far-reaching back-up is now in place to meet their needs, in conjunction with the UK’s Government Syrian Refuee Resettlement Programme

NLC agreed to take in a first batch of displaced persons between November and January .

As a result, 12 families moved into homes in Airdrie and Coatbridge.

And the first group went out to meet the second group at a special event in Sir John Wilson Town Hall .

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They were also welcomed by local councilors, police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services plus volunteers .

The council has admitted that these existing locations were chosen as there were sufficient homes and school places available for the new arrivals in all four of the towns taking part.

However, a spokesperson said that Cumbernauld and Kilsyth could conceivably be selected when the council decides where best to send the next batch of refugees.

He said: “It is highly likely that Cumbernauld and Kilsyth could receive their proportional share of refugees at some stage.”

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It was stressed however that the council does not plan to take in any more refugees this year .

In fact, discussions concerning the next possible locations for the refugees will not actually start until next year at the earliest.