Greenwich Council demands support for 700 Afghan refugees

Greenwich Town Hall has become an emergency aid centre whilst hundreds of refugees are isolating in a local quarantine hotel, with an "astonishing" amount of staff hours redeployed and money spent.

The leader and deputy leader have written directly to Robert Jenrick, Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, expressing a need for urgent support for the Afghan refugees.

With close to 700 people from Afghanistan currently self-isolating in a quarantine hotel in the borough, the council has redeployed large numbers of its staff and spent 'significant' amounts of money supporting these families.

Dozens have given up their bank holiday weekends to operate a 24/7 shift system, providing urgent help, while "civil servants sent to assist have simply observed."

Greenwich Council staff processing clothes donations

Greenwich Council said they were promised a package of support from the Government, including interpreters, welfare support and funding, and 10 days after the first refugees arrived in the borough, nothing has materialised.

Leader Danny Thorpe said they scale of support they are providing to meet the needs of the refugees is "astonishing", with staff now being mobilised for three shifts a day.

"As a borough with significant connections to the military, we are doing all we can to support those who worked for our forces on the ground in Afghanistan.

The evacuation of Afghanistan - PA

"However, we urgently need government assistance to ensure that people are safely accommodated and treated with the with the care, dignity and support to which they are entitled."

Greenwich COuncil said they were "blown away" by the number of donations received

The letter, which was sent on Tuesday 31 August, outlines the support required from the government, including an action plan and interpreters within 24 hours. This support has yet to be deployed.

Opposition councillor Nigel Fletcher said he spent several shifts helping the "heroic" volunteers sort clothes for the refugees in Quarantine, and he said the stories of some of those who have come here with nothing are "heartbreaking."

The Tory councillor added that he had also been in touch with central government to stress the need to support local efforts.

Last week, the council said they had been "absolutely blown away by the generosity of local people trying to help refugees" after an appeal for clothing, prayer mats, other useful items and even people volunteering to hosting families in their own homes.

Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, who joined Cllr Mariam Lolavar helping out over the weekend, said the "pressure has been on" since the 700 Afghans started arriving on Monday, August 23.

Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald and Cllr Mariam Lolavar

"There has been no support system in place to work with them, so in fact we have been stepping up in the gap."

Calling on central government to help, she said their support so far had been "almost non-existent."

Cllr Thorpe added in a tweet that they "absolutely need the following":

• "Translators on the ground who can assist families & help us to meet their needs.

• Teams of people to support on the ground. We are having to divert staff from other areas to provide support.

• Additional toiletries

• Clear communication with those placed in the borough about what support they can expect."

He added: "Whilst we recognise the speed which was required, getting these things in place is now vital. Thanks to all who have helped so far."

Meanwhile, Erith and Thamesmead MP Abena Oppong-Asare has written to the leader of Bexley COuncil asking them if they intend to support refugees from Afghanistan.

The MP said other councils have taken a leadership role in their communities, "Bexley need to step up and do the same."