An update was given at a recent meeting on Ukrainian refugees coming to Winchester.

At the Winchester Town Forum, Cllr Kathleen Becker asked for an update on the situation.

Cllr John Tippett-Cooper was absent during the discussion, so Cllr Kelsie Learney answered on his behalf.

Cllr Learney said: “There is still a great deal of uncertainty about the role local authorities are going to play in this.

“We are still working through issues. We are recording offers of help from the pubic, we have the official route people can go down now. We are trying to make sure we are not duplicating efforts.”

READ MORE: Winchester Rotary raises thousands for Ukraine Appeal with High Street collection

On the city council's website, a statement from council leader Lucille Thompson said: "We are all aware of the unsettling news regarding the situation in Ukraine and our thoughts go out the people in the country who are presently suffering.

“Our support of the City of Sanctuary movement underlines our dedication to supporting refugees and asylum seekers who are driven away from their country by any means, including war.

“Winchester City Council will of course look to ensure that refugees from Ukraine who are seeking sanctuary during this extraordinarily difficult time will be assisted by our teams and the local network of groups and agencies delivering specialised support. Find out more about the City of Sanctuary at: www.cityofsanctuary.org"

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