Top-level talks have been held over plans to rehome Syrian refugees in Cumbria.

Earlier this year moves to take in families from the war-torn country were put on hold because of the need to provide accommodation for Cumbrian victims of last December's floods

Now council chiefs have said they will look again at providing a safe haven for those escaping the Syrian regime. Following talks this week further discussions will take place in September.

Last year Cumbria County Council announced it would take in 15 Syrian families before Christmas. They were due to arrive on December 8 but a delay in the clearance process meant their arrival date was delayed until the New Year.

But with Storm Desmond causing such widespread flooding in December, most of the county’s spare accommodation was snapped up by flood victims.

At the time county council leader Stewart Young promised that when accommodation became available the authority would look again its offer to support the refugees.

On Thursday organisations across Cumbria, including the county council, met with the North West Strategic Migration Partnership to discuss the current refugee situation and the contribution Cumbria may make in supporting migrant families.

A county council spokesman said: "It shared with partners how programmes of support are being developed in other areas and the learning from places such as Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

"Following the meeting, a discussion about the next steps will take place in September with the Cumbria Leadership Board, which includes all the local authorities in Cumbria, the police, health, and the third sector."

He said any help given to refugees depended on the situation with flooded families still in need of housing.

"It was recognised that the provision of accommodation and support to those affected by the floods remains a key priority – and it is within the context of this commitment that Cumbria will consider carefully its offer of support for refugees," he added.

"As this issue progresses we will continue do all that we can to keep the residents of Cumbria fully informed."

Earlier this week church leaders said refugees should be welcomed into Cumbrian homes as they escape “unthinkable violence” in their own country adding that the county should not turn to a blind eye to their plight.

Its chairman the Rev David Pitkeathly said refugees had brought much that is positive to our society, both historically and today.

He pointed out: “Many are highly skilled and even amidst their own suffering are keen to use these skills for the benefit of others.

"We want Cumbria to be a place of welcome for the Syrian refugees. We believe that everybody deserves a safe place to call home.

“We would also like Cumbria to have the opportunity to welcome asylum-seekers already in Britain.

"In this time of crisis where so many vulnerable people are trying to escape unthinkable violence and seeking safety in Europe, we urge the UK Government to commit to increase significantly the number of refugees which Britain will host.”