PLANS for refugees from war-torn Syria to make their home in Aberystwyth before Christmas have been welcomed by councillors and campaign groups.

The Cambrian News revealed last week that five or six Aberystwyth houses will be used to home refugees before the end of the year, meaning Cere­digion will be the first in Wales to offer a save hav­en.

The pledge from Ceredigion council’s Cabinet followed an initial refusal by the authority to contemplate bringing refugees to the county over a lack of infrastructure to house them.

Aberaid, one of several groups which organised fund-raising events and collections at the height of the refugee crisis in Europe, said it was great news for the county.

Ceredigion one was of several authorities throughout the UK to accept the Home Office’s invitation to become a Trailblazer Authority in supporting the Syrian refugees.

The decision was made during the second meeting of the Syrian Refugees Task and Finish Group on Wednesday, 14 October.

The move forms part of David Cameron’s pledge for the UK to take in 20,000 refugees by 2020.

While Wales as a whole is expected to welcome about 1,600, it is not yet known how many Aberystwyth will house, but the council said work is continuing to welcome more in the new year.

Once the first refugees are settled, the council will also look at the possibility of housing some in Lampeter, the other town in the county identified by the refugees task and finish group as being one of the most appropriate places for them.