The leader of Hertsmere Borough Council has spoken of the council's and borough's "commitment" to supporting families who are being relocated to the UK.

After the Taliban took over the country earlier this week, many Afghans have decided to flee and seek refuge in other countries.

The UK Government says it will take around 20,000 Afghans over the coming years, with 2,000 repatriated to the UK in the past days, with most of them UK nationals or those who had assisted British efforts in the central Asian country.

The council confirmed yesterday that around 200 Afghans are currently staying in two hotels in Hertsmere, but that at this stage, the council is unable to provide any permanent accommodation.

Responding to the events in Afghanistan, council leader Morris Bright said: "It’s almost impossible to imagine what it must be like for the Afghan people at this time of great peril and uncertainty.

"Like other local authorities across the UK, we stand ready to support all those who have had to flee their homes because of the violence and fear proliferated there by the Taliban.

"We are in close and regular contact with the Home Office and the East of England Strategic Migration Unit around the support that is currently being offered to approximately 200 Afghan individuals temporarily accommodated in two hotels in our borough, with further voluntary support being provided by the Red Cross.

"These are people, and their families, who supported the British Army during its presence in Afghanistan predominantly working as interpreters."

Borehamwood Times: A van full of goods to be donated to Afghans currently staying in hotels in Hertsmere. Credit: Griggs HomesA van full of goods to be donated to Afghans currently staying in hotels in Hertsmere. Credit: Griggs Homes

The community in Hertsmere have generously donated goods to those in the hotels, including food and toys. Personal trainer Daniel Bourne from Rebourne Fitness has helped distribute the goods to the hotels.

The collection has been organised by Radlett-based housing developer Griggs Homes, whose marketing director Mark Johnson described the public response to the call for help as "overwhelming".

Looking ahead, Cllr Bright added: "Through our experience of resettling Syrian families in the borough, we know that any support we provide must be co-ordinated and meaningful.

"While we’re reviewing the government’s latest resettlement scheme, we will continue to provide as much support as we can, in conjunction with other councils, public sector organisations and charities in Hertfordshire."

The Government announced today funds totalling £5 million will be available to local councils to help Afghan refugees who are coming to the UK through the Afghanistan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.

The ARAP scheme was launched in April this year and was created to help workers, such as translators, move to Britain after the Government announced it was withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.