PEOPLE in Ludlow and south Shropshire are being asked to open their hearts and support refugees arriving in Shropshire from Afghanistan.

There is an appeal both for temporary housing for the refugees and also for basic items to be provided.

Three drop-off points are available in south Shropshire at the Islamic Centre in Craven Arms, at Noor House in Newton Street in Craven Arms and at The Lodge in Madeira Walk in Church Stretton.

Shropshire residents wishing to make donations of clothing to support Afghan refugees arriving in the county can do so through Shropshire Supports Refugees.

They are also looking for landlords willing to rent to families or individuals and for volunteers, translators, and other offers of support.

Shropshire Supports Refugees has issued a statement to let people know how they can help.

‘We have had an unprecedented amount of phone calls, messages and emails all offering support or donations of one sort or another.

‘We are a small team of people, with a small area of storage at this moment, so we are keen to do our very best to facilitate everybody’s offers but please be patient with us.

‘If you would like to offer donations, then we will do our best to distribute them to refugees, especially Afghanistan refugees.

‘We do ask that you sort it as much as possible into bags of specifics, ie. ladies’ tops, men’s trousers etc.

‘For now, we are looking for Muslim style clothing if possible.’

Many of the refugees that have managed to get out of Afghanistan will be highly traumatised and have nothing more than the clothes on their backs and bags.

For women there is a need for long tops and closed shoes, long coats, warm cardigans and leggings.

The clothes needed by men also include trousers and jeans, long coats, warm jackets, shirts and shoes.

There is also a need for children’s clothing, cots and prams and shoes but not baby car seats.