MACHYNLLETH town councillors have backed a bid to have the town designated as a Town of Sanctuary for refugees.

The Mid Wales Refugee Action Group is hoping that Machynlleth will join other towns and cities in Wales to win the designation as part of the City of Sanctuary movement which aims to ensure a welcoming environment for refugees fleeing war and persecution.

But while town councillors supported the group and their aim, they said it was important to ensure local residents are informed about the group’s work and understand what they are doing to help refugees and how Machynlleth can help.

The group, which has been collecting donations and volunteering in refugee camps in northern France, is first hoping to arrange a day out for Syrian refugees currently living in Aberystwyth to visit Machynlleth on Market Day to help give them a break.

Providing the opportunity for people to take a break and experience the town is one of the criteria that will decide whether Machynlleth wins the designation of Town of Sanctuary.

Councillors offered their support to the group and said they welcomed any attempt to make Machynlleth a Town of Sanctuary.

But Cllr Glenda Jenkins said there were concerns in Machynlleth about whether youngsters could find work or housing in the town and said it was important that people were not left to fear how they could be affected by refugees.

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