BLACKBURN with Darwen council is looking at whether it can take additional asylum seekers as the European refugee crisis escalates.

Yesterday borough leader Mohammed Khan was meeting senior officials to discuss the issue.

Blackburn with Darwen council has housed 350 asylum seekers for more than 15 years under an arrangement brokered by former MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Last week other councils in East Lancashire offered to take refugees fleeing war-torn countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Pendle is to house 20 families fleeing the conflict in Syria, while Ribble Valley will accommodate five families in Clitheroe and five families in Longridge.

Hyndburn Council is confident of being able to take at least 10 families, while discussions have been taking place in Burnley.

Cllr Khan will now consult with the Home Office, Serco which manage the asylum contract, and neighbouring councils about whether the borough can house more refugees and what help they can give to neighbouring authorities who take asylum seekers for the first time.

On Thursday Liberal Democrat group leader David Foster asked him: “Europe is facing an increasing refugee problem and a humanitarian crisis.

“In light of the government’s announcement yesterday on accommodating refugees from Syria, what preparations are the council making to help with this process, particularly as one of the target groups is orphaned children?”

Cllr Khan replied: “We recognise the significant humanitarian crisisthe people of Syria are going through and the dilemma and challenge this poses Europe.

“We are part of the regional partnership that works with the Home Office to manage dispersal within the North West. We will continue to show compassion and leadership to act responsibly on all matters relating to relieving the suffering of these people, whether families, individuals or children.

“We will do this by working through the partnership and liaison arrangements set out by the Home Office.”

Cllr Foster said: “I hope we can take our fair share of the burden in sharing our expertise with neighbouring councils and in looking after orphaned children.”