Kingston has welcomed its second family of Syrian refugees after a landlord offered them a home.

The family of five, categorised as among “some of the most vulnerable displaced Syrians”, has been settled as part of a Government scheme.

In March, a family of three moved to Kingston from war-torn Syria and are said to now be learning English, volunteering and looking for paid work.

Saturday, May 7: Just one home in Kingston offered to Syria's "most vulnerable" refugees

Friday, September 11: Offers to house Syrian refugees hit by strict Home Office rules

Council leader Kevin Davis said: “We could not have done this without the support of our community and partners. I’m hugely proud of Kingston for taking part in this scheme.

"From helping to find and secure properties to joining us in preparing the home for the arriving family, it’s effort like this from volunteers that has helped this initiative to work." 

In May, the Surrey Comet revealed that just one appropriate home had been offered in Kingston because of strict Home Office rules on suitability.

To qualify for funding as part of the vulnerable person's relocation scheme, landlords have to own properties that are self-contained and available to rent for at least 12 months.

Kingston Council has now renewed its appeal to landlords to come forward to help meet the borough’s ambition of housing 50 refugees.

Surrey Comet:

Kevin Davis speaking to refugees last year

Cllr Davis added: “[The Foreign Office] is currently reviewing that and there may well be a change in those regulations.

“We mustn’t in any sense give council housing to this type of activity. We are dependent on our residents.

“Because of the costs of housing in London it’s a very difficult place to house Syrian refugees.

"Finding homes which match the Home Office’s criteria isn’t easy, but I’m confident that, together with the community, we can find homes for those in need.”

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said last year that the UK would look to rehome 20,000 refugees over five years after the body of three-year-old Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi washed up on a Turkish beach.

Cllr Davis said: “Kingston can’t solve the Syrian refugee problem, there have been millions displaced.

“But I’m really keen that we should try, it’s one extra life that we can save. It’s too easy to ignore what’s happening in the rest of the world.”

If you have a sutiable home, visit Kingston.gov.uk.