EAST HAMPSHIRE District Council leader Ferris Cowper says the authority is ready to help Syrian refugees.

He also says there are grants that can be easily accessed by groups keen to collect and send aid.

In a statement to the Post Cllr Cowper said: “The council warmly welcomes the Prime Minister’s humanitarian commitment to accept refugees from the Syrian conflict and the European Union role to try and allocate such a vast number of these victims throughout the territories of the EU.

“The council will do all it can to assist, within the limits of the local housing, health, education and social care infrastructure.

“I anticipate we will offer financial assistance to voluntary groups who wish to organise relief supplies.

“The existing District Councillor Devolved Grant fund is ideal for this purpose.

“Each district councillor has a budget of £4,500 a year to spend with suitable local charities and voluntary groups.

“I believe that this local management of funds will ensure the most appropriate response.

“In the event that this proves insufficient we can consider the larger Cabinet Approved Grant fund in exceptional circumstances.”