KIND-HEARTED residents across Taunton Deane are coming together to find places for refugees to stay and supply those in camps with what they need.

Last week, Citizens UK held a meeting in Taunton for those wanting to do something about the refugee crisis, with around 70 people turning out, pledging support for the cause.

Organiser Chris Waddilove said: “We feel like Taunton Deane is dragging its feet and we hope that by getting people together who have places for refugees to stay, will encourage them to take action.

“Around 70 people turned up, there is a lot of compassion in this town for the refugees.

“People are now looking to see if they have a room or know someone with a spare room or a second home, that could take families in.”

Their efforts join those of Refugee Aid from Taunton #RAFT and Taunton Deane councillor, Federica Smith who, with the help of generous people across the area, has sent 18 lorry loads of items to people in Calais, Syria and Turkey in the past 10 weeks.

Volunteers have been busy making up packages of clothing, food and other essentials at their base opposite Morrisons in the town.

Taunton Deane Mayor, Marcia Hill, paid them a visit on Tuesday to see the work they were doing.

Cllr Smith said: “The generosity of people has been so overwhelming. As well as helping people in camps as much as we can, we want to work with groups and grass roots organisations to make sure we can help them as much as we can when they arrive here in Taunton.”

Another Citizens UK meeting will take place on December 16, aimed at people who attended the first meeting, to bring along suggestions of practical housing.

But anyone who would like to offer help is welcome to the meeting which will be held at the Temple Methodist Church in Taunton.

Volunteers at RAFT are looking to fill at least another five lorry loads of aid for Syrian Refugees before Christmas, with a special plea for warm clothes and blankets.

A Taunton Deane Borough Council spokesman said: “(The council) is working closely with Somerset County Council and South West Councils to develop a proposal to accept refugees in Taunton Deane.

“There is a real need for TDBC to work with the county council and other partners to ensure that adequate support from a range of services is lined up and ready for Syrian families when they arrive.

“We expect to be able to agree numbers with the government in due course.

“We welcome the offer from members of Citizens UK and will follow this up.”