PLANS to welcome another Syrian refugee family to Aberystwyth have been recommended for approval after a community fundraising effort raised nearly £20,000.

The community group Aberaid have applied to Ceredigion County Council for permission to house a two adult, three children family in the town, with the finalised plan set to be discussed by a special meeting of the council’s Co-ordinating Committee on Wednesday, 27 September.

The plan has been recommended for approval, and if backed will go the council’s Cabinet who will make the final decision.

There are currently 20 Syrian refugees living in Aberystwyth, after Ceredigion became one of the first ‘trailblazer’ counties to sign up to a scheme to rehome people fleeing the war-torn country.

Aberaid organised a fundraising drive to see the plan come to fruition, which has seen £19,899 raised - with more fundraising planned.

Initially, Aberaid plans to resettle one additional family in Aberystwyth, but aims to assist more refugee families subject to funding.

The group has a commitment in place with the Welsh Presbyterian Church, the landlord of a first-floor flat in the town.

The church said it is “eager to work with Aberaid to provide support for the refugee family.”

Volunteer support workers from Aberaid will visit the refugees regularly and offer support with tenancy, utility bills, health and safety.

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