AT a meeting in Crediton this week full support was mooted to provide accommodation for refugees in the town.

This came from the Welcoming Refugees in Crediton group, represented at the meeting of Crediton Town Council’s policy and forward planning committee by the Rev Ann Varker, Methodist Minister in Crediton and Mr Gerald Conyngham.

Mrs Varker explained that the group has been working in Crediton since October in response to concerns expressed about the refugee crisis and what could be done as a community.

It had been proposed for Crediton to be a Town of Welcome. Mr Conyngham added that local authorities had been asked to take refugees. Exeter and Plymouth had both agreed to be sponsoring authorities.

The idea of a community sponsoring refugees was still going through Government. With 120 people attending a meeting, it showed there was support in the town.

He said Crediton had a history of welcoming people, taking “a whole lot of Belgians” fleeing World War One.

He asked if the town council would support the idea of Crediton being prepared to welcome a small number of refugees if they came to the town.

Cllr Nick Way (a town, district and county councillor) said he had asked the county council if, as it had closed so many residential homes which were now costing the taxpayer, if one or two could be used. “Unfortunately, I hit a brick wall,” he said.

He suggested working with CISCO (Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation) with its undoubted expertise especially in languages. Mrs Varker said they have been talking.

Mr Conyngham reported that an offer had been made by Queen Elizabeth’s School principal, Rupert Poole, of the possibility of use of a boarding house, but this had not yet happened because of financial pressures.

Committee members were wary of offering to help economic refugees but Mrs Varker explained they were talking about refugees, not migrants.

It was recommended the town council supports this group. This was approved.

Sue Read