Asylum seekers from around the world are set to find refuge in Bradford, it has been revealed.

Around 20 people a week are expected to arrive in Bradford from next month as part of a new Government initiative to disperse asylum seekers across the country.

They will either be accommodated for a few days in a reception centre or housed across the district in empty private and Council-owned properties.

Councillor Susan Dewdney, deputy executive member for Homes and Environment on Bradford Council, said: "Bradford has a long history of accepting those fleeing from their own countries because of war, persecution or deprivation, most recently with the Kosovans.

"It is hoped that we will be able to draw on this experience to find a way of accommodating them in our multi-cultural city.

"The Government and the voluntary agencies have asked us to try to provide clusters of accommodation so that people from similar backgrounds or with a common language can be housed in the same area.

"This should help to encourage a sense of community where people will be able to offer mutual support to each other."

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which came into force in December, requires local authorities to relieve the pressure of asylum seekers in Kent and London.

As ports of entry they have had to cope with large numbers.

The cost of the asylum scheme is funded by the Government but local councils have to find the properties and furnish them initially.

The Red Cross provides food and hygiene packs when they arrive.

Bradford Council staff have already visited other areas housing the asylum seekers such as Kirklees and Barnsley to gain experience.

Ten regions across the country will be receiving asylum seekers during the year including Yorkshire and Humberside.

A consortium has been set up to co-ordinate the arrival and placement of those sent to the region.

The asylum seekers are following in the footsteps of the Kosovar refugees who were offered a warm welcome in the district in June.

More than 80 refugees arrived in Shipley after being airlifted to Leeds Bradford Airport from Macedonia.

They were granted a year long visa by the Home Office and some of them are still living in Shipley at a former nursing home run by Bradford Council Social Services.

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