A SYRIAN family were unable to make a fresh start in Milford Haven as part of Pembrokeshire County Council resettlement scheme after a landlord pulled out at the last minute.

In an update for the Partnership Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Friday (March 16) a report states that the second family to be supported in resettling by the council had to be placed elsewhere.

A home for the family of two adults and three children had been due to set up in Milford Haven by the landlord of the property withdrew it just two weeks before they were due to arrive last month.

The council has pledged to accommodate 10 to 12 families fleeing the war torn country with five already starting a new life here in Pembrokeshire.

Two families have resettled in Haverfordwest, two in Fishguard and one in Narberth with the backing of community sponsorship schemes.

Two of these schemes, Croeso Abergwaun and Croeso Hwlffordd will welcome additional families soon.

The latest report on the scheme follows a meeting of the council’s cabinet in January that asked that the scrutiny committee “seek assurance that Pembrokeshire County Council is providing the support necessary to proactively settle the families through partnership with local communities.”

The update states that there had been changes to the personnel leading the council’s scheme with a new coordinator taking up post following the retirement of the project lead in January.

A total of 12 adults and 13 children have been resettled across the county along with a baby born in December 2017.

Sourcing suitable accommodation is challenging across Wales and has been identified as a “significant issue” in Pembrokeshire with the potential to impact on the council’s commitment.

A meeting had been arranged for March 7 with the Wales Refugee Resettlement Coordinator to discuss best practice and solutions identified by other local authorities.