FAMILIES from Afghanistan that came to Bournemouth in August following the Taliban take-over risk further disruption if permanent housing cannot be found within the conurbation.

BCP Council and the Home Office have confirmed that Afghan families - some of whom have children attending local schools - will be moved out of the conurbation if permanent accommodation cannot be found.

Currently residing in a temporary ‘bridging hotel’ the families face yet more unknowns due to a lack of permanent private-sector housing in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The local authority has renewed its appeal for private landlords and second home owners to come forward to enable these families to settle permanently in the community.

Councillor Karen Rampton, portfolio holder for people and homes, said: “We are continuing to work with the Home Office on supporting those Afghan families who were transferred to a temporary home at a local hotel in the area a few weeks ago. Alongside our community sector and health partners, work remains ongoing to support the needs of the family groups and to provide key services to help with their resettlement process.

“Families will remain in their temporary accommodation at the hotel until longer term / permanent accommodation is found for them across the country. Whilst the Home Office is coordinating this temporary accommodation, we continue to assist the Home Office by appealing for private landlords and second home owners to contact us if they think they are in a position to help. We have already had some come forward and we are pleased to have helped families settle permanently into the BCP area whilst continuing to evaluate other properties.”

BCP Council has confirmed their commitment to coordinate local support through statutory services, volunteer organisations and community efforts. This has included providing children with play and educational support and equipment within the hotel and enrolling children in local schools whilst they are accommodated at the hotel.

The arrangements for families in bridging hotels and their transfers to settled accommodation is managed centrally by the Home Office.

There is now a huge push, across the country, to find permanent housing to help the more than 15,000 Afghans in the UK.

READ MORE: Bournemouth residents offer their support to Afghan refugees

A government spokesperson said: “The government has undertaken the UK’s biggest and fastest emergency evacuation in recent memory history helping over 15,000 people to safety.

“There is now a huge effort underway to get families into permanent homes. Those families temporarily accommodated in hotels have access to healthcare, education, any essential items they need and employment opportunities or Universal Credit.

“We’re grateful to all authorities, including BCP Council, who have offered support but we encourage those who can to continue to come forward and help.”