A DISTRICT councillor told members of Ulverston Town Council that refugees could be on their way to the town.

Cllr Mark Wilson revealed that the area could play host to 12 migrant families and 'some children from the refugee camps the Prime Minister visited'.

According to Cllr Wilson, who made the remarks at Monday's meeting, South Lakeland District Council is 'thinking of putting up housing' for the families in the town.

Ulverston residents have already begun trying to stockpile food, toothbrushes and other items for refugees, according to Cllr Pat Jones, and are eager to help in any way they can.

However, Cllr Norman Bishop-Rowe expressed reservations on the issue.

"The ones pressing more to get into this country are economic migrants," he said.

But howls of derision greeted his statement, with Cllr Jane Harris saying: "Shut up! I'm sorry to be rude but that's nonsense."

Councillors resolved to only discuss refugee policy once they had been definitively informed that the town would be housing some as it is such a 'contentious issue'.