AN overwhelming 85 per cent of voters said in a News ballot they did NOT think the borough should rehome refugees from Syria.

A total of 444 people gave the thumbs down to Dudley Council’s gesture of good will to help in the international humanitarian crisis.

Just 15 per cent of people who took part in our online ballot (80 votes) said ‘yes’ - Dudley was doing the right thing by agreeing to welcome around 20 Syrian families to the borough.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, has said the borough has a “duty to open our doors to those refugees who are in desperate need”.

But she has stressed all assistance provided will be funded nationally and that locals will remain a priority.

Those coming into the borough, who will legally be allowed to stay for up to five years, will be able to receive a range of help including clothing, language support and other essential assistance.

Cllr Partridge added: "“A decision sheet has now been prepared which will provide a framework for our plans to take 20 families during the course of the next five years.

"Once plans have been finalised they will be widely consulted on and once agreed will allow us to provide help and support to those given humanitarian asylum. 

"Local people are our first priority and any plans we make in connection with supporting Syrian refugees has to ensure that they continue to be so.

"It is both my expectation and my hope that we will be held to account on this particular aspect of our planning.

"I am confident that once the people of Dudley are aware of the facts they will recognise the sense in our approach and will understand why we are doing what we are doing on this occasion."