Refugees fear for future of homes

Asylum seekers fear their homes could be demolished

Refugees and asylum seekers in a West Yorkshire town fear their homes could be demolished as part of a plan to improve an estate.

Plans to knock down the majority of the Rashcliffe Estate in Lockwood, Huddersfield, will be discussed by Kirklees Council.

The council claims the state is not popular and would be too expensive to refurbish.

Most of the refugee community live in two tower blocks which are to be retained for the short term.

But residents fear the flats may be destined for demolition.

People specifically apply to be housed at Rashcliffe, which prior to that was not a very popular estate

Ian Brook, of Kirklees Refugees and Friends

Ian Brook from Kirklees Refugees and Friends believes the families just want stability.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: "The people are quite happy at Rashcliffe, Huddersfield is seen as a safe area."

He added: "People specifically apply to be housed at Rashcliffe, which prior to that was not a very popular estate.

"We were told by the local authority the asylum community saved Rashcliffe because they were so keen to live there and are such good tenants."