The city's former Lord Mayor has promised a warm welcome for Kosovan refugees who are set to arrive in Shipley next month.

And Councillor Tony Miller, who has just retired from his year in office as Lord Mayor, said he hoped the refugees would be offered help by local community centres.

Yesterday, the Telegraph & Argus reported how a former residential nursing home in Shipley had been set aside for dozens of refugees, due to arrive on June 9 and who will live there for three to six months.

Coun Miller (Lab, Shipley East) said: ''I don't think anyone could fail to be moved by the dreadful pictures we've all seen on our TV screens.

"It's now up to us as Bradfordians to play our part in bringing some quality of life to these people who've suffered so much.

"I'm sure the people of Shipley will respond in a positive manner and I would hope the refugees would get a warm welcome."

He added: "They want to be at home in Kosovo but it's our job to make sure they're as comfortable as possible until they can go home.''

Coun Miller, who is manager of Bolton Woods Community Centre, added: "I'd like to see us opening our community centre doors to people who feel they need our services.

"We run playgroups, luncheon clubs and care groups so there are things for all age groups and I'll be talking to the management committee about it and doing all in my power to make sure our facilities are made available to the refugees if they're needed.

"Some of them will probably be traumatised by what they've been through and will obviously just want time to settle in but once they have I'll be going to see them to find out what help we can offer.''

Fellow ward councillor Phil Thornton said: "I'm very pleased the Council is in a position to offer assistance to this very vulnerable group of people and I'm confident they'll get a very good response from the local community.

"These people have been through hell and the least we can do is offer a bit of sanctuary and safety.''

Joyce Mason, treasurer of the North East Windhill Community Association, said: "We welcome the opportunity to support them in any way possible after the trauma and suffering they've been through.''

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.