A NEW group of Syrian refugees have settled in Wiltshire following on from the first arrivals last year.

The 14 refugees arrived in June, with a further six set to join them later in the summer, and volunteers are now helping them move into their new homes.

The latest groups of families and individuals are based all around Wiltshire with each family or person having a volunteer on hand to support them as they become accustomed to the British way of life.

The arrivals were also able to benefit from the help and insight of the eight families who had already settled in the county last December.

A special event was held at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge recently where the new arrivals were given guidance on accessing support and information on health and schooling.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “I’d like to welcome the new families who are now settling into their homes and thank the many volunteers who are helping them adapt to a new lifestyle and culture.

“I’m also pleased the families who arrived last year are being so supportive as they will provide invaluable insight and guidance for our new residents as they find jobs, become self-sufficient and make Wiltshire their home.”

It comes after figures released last week showed that more than a third of local councils refused to accept Syrian refugees due to the cost of housing and supporting them.

Councils receive £8,500 for each refugee in the first year they arrive, which gradually falls to £1,000 in the fifth year. The refugees are being housed in surplus council accommodation.