Ukrainian Refugees Offered Free Bus Travel

Ukrainian refugees staying with families across Harborough who need transport are being offered free bus travel for a month.

The move by Leicestershire County Council is one of a number of measures aimed at helping people when they arrive.

Deborah Taylor, deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Our commitment to supporting people fleeing war-torn Ukraine is resolute and we are setting up processes to help anyone in need of transport.

“This will include a one-month bus pass where appropriate, to help people settle in during their first few weeks in the UK.”

The idea of free bus travel had cross-party support at a Full Council meeting in May.

The X7 bus in Market Harborough

To date, 143 adults and children have arrived in the district after being matched with households here through the government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Government data shows a further 58 have had visa application approved, so are due to arrive in the district shortly.

More families in the Harborough area than in any other part of Leicestershire have taken in refugees from Ukraine.