Council chiefs across Lincolnshire have issued a joint statement with regards to how the county is housing Afghan refugees in Grantham and elsewhere.

The move follows controversy over the posting of refugees at the Urban Hotel in Grantham, which has led to the cancellation of room bookings and weddings.

South Kesteven is also reportedly hosting a second group of Afghan refugees at the Stoke Rochford Hotel, south of Grantham.

The statement issued this afternoon said Lincolnshire councils are working collectively and closely with the Home Office to support Afghans in delivering the government's resettlement programme.

Speaking on behalf of the councils, Coun Richard Wright, leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: "Lincolnshire has welcomed a number of Afghan families as part of the first phase approach.

"Initially these evacuated families have arrived in South Kesteven where they are being supported in two Home Office-appointed bridging hotels whilst awaiting onward location around the country.

"These are two of the 74 accommodation units made available across the UK by the Home Office as it works towards welcoming and supporting 7,000 people who worked to assist the UK's mission in Afghanistan.

"Additionally the UK is committed to helping a further 5,000 vulnerable refugees in the first year.

"The hotels are being used by the Home Office as temporary transit accommodation as the families' needs are assessed and more permanent accommodation is found elsewhere within the UK; with all costs to be met by Government."

His statement continued: "As the Lincolnshire councils work collaboratively to provide wellbeing and wrap-around care, there is recognition of how traumatic the process of leaving their homeland has been and the commitment that the UK Government has made to support these families.

"We will not be detailing how many families there are or where they may ultimately be settling because of the need to protect their privacy and wellbeing.

"Through our coordinated regional partnership, provision is being made for targeted support with housing, education, healthcare and essential needs in establishing a life in this country."

As part of his statement, Coun Wright also included a video, which can be seen here.