THE leader of Hampshire County Council this week said a “co-ordinated and strategic approach” was needed to respond to the European Syrian refugee crisis when local authorities are called on to help.

Roy Perry said the county will do “all we reasonably can” to assist the incoming 20,000 Syrian refugees expected over the next five years.

“Over recent weeks and especially since some of the dreadful images of children that have shocked the world, we have been very conscious of the role the county council may be asked to play in responding to the European migrant situation,” Mr Perry said.

“Since Prime Minister David Cameron announced that Britain should accept 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years, we have been seeking advice and guidance from Government, as well as an indication of where these refugees may be located and their numbers. Obviously, any response must be coordinated with our partner agencies, such as district councils, who are responsible for housing, to ensure that the overall support package offered in Hampshire is sustainable and effective.

“I’m aware that a number of very public-spirited Hampshire residents have wanted to help and have approached various schemes to volunteer.

“I applaud these people and their motivation, which reflects a national tradition of supporting those most in need.”

He said that he recognised that “some residents” may have “genuine concerns” about the “financial implications” should support be needed over the longer term, and what this might mean for “already stretched” public sector services.

“This is another reason why we need to ensure that a collaborative resp-onse is undertaken with Government and our partners,” he added.

“In the meantime, Hampshire is taking a proactive stance in planning what our contribution may be, particularly as we expect many of the migrants to be unaccompanied children or orph-ans who would automatically become the responsibility of the county council on their arrival in Hampshire, as children in our care.

“Wider discussions are under way with our public-sector and voluntary sector partners across the county, as well as those across the wider South East region, together with the church and faith groups. For instance, I have been contacted by the Bishop of Winchester (Tim Dakin), and I know he is anxious that the church plays what part it can. At this stage, we are working collectively with all partners to identify how best we can support children and families who may come to Hampshire as refugees.

“Naturally, if Hampshire County Council is called upon by the Government to offer help during this crisis, we will do all we reasonably can to provide support and assistance because morally it’s the right thing to do.”

Mr Perry’s comments echo those of district council leader Ferris Cowper, who said the authority “warmly welcomes” the Prime Minister’s “humanitarian commitment to accept refugees from the Syrian conflict”.

“East Hampshire District Council will do all it can to assist, within the limits of the housing, health, education and social care infrastructure we have locally,” he said.

Part of this will likely be financial assistance to voluntary groups that want to organise relief supplies, he explained.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds has called Britain “a compassionate country” and backed Mr Cameron’s commitment to give refuge to 20,000 Syrians.

The conflict in Syria and neighbouring Iraq has seen millions of refugees driven from their homes.

The Syrian fighting is a particularly complex situation, with people fleeing both the forces of president Bashar al-Assad and the Islamic State group which has advanced in the region.