UK work visa holders 'befriended' in new settlement programme
February 16 2010 by Liam Clifford
A new government scheme is hoping to help UK work visa holders to settle in the UK as a result of befriending locals.
The £68,500 scheme is being targeted
at areas in the north west of Leigh town centre, near Bolton. This area was
particularly hard hit by the recession. The area has been blighted by
anti-social behaviour and poorly maintained rental housing. The “transient”
nature of the residents has not helped the area, claim local government
officials.
Wigan Council’s Kevin Anderson explained the problem:
“generally, these properties attract migrant workers of all nationalities and
people on low incomes who are seeking short-term accommodation.”
“This
can lead to a more diverse and unsettled population, one which lacks the roots
of more established communities. The community spirit can start to break down,
leading to misunderstandings and clashes in lifestyle.”
Now, council
members are hoping that they can encourage locals to make friends with people
who have moved to the UK and are living and working in the area. This is
intended to help them to settle in the UK and into their communities.
The
scheme will take the form of community events, training schemes, newsletters and
leaflets.
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