MORE than a thousand people have signed a petition calling for York to do more to help refugees.

The petition is due to be handed in to city council leader Chris Steward today, and calls for the local authority to work on the infrastructure needed to properly help and house people fleeing persecution in their home countries.

Signed by 1,200 people, the online petition is being run through the 38 degrees website.

It says York should "set a positive example" nationally by offering opportunities for housing, education and support for asylum seekers, and organisers plan to hand it over to the council leader today.

The petition says: "Thousands of migrants are dying and risking their lives trying to reach Europe daily. Many governments and people are closing their eyes to the problem, and are afraid of the consequences of taking progressive and positive action. This surely can't be the answer.

"After days or weeks of journeying, and with their worldly possessions totalling what little they can carry, it is shameful that these people should be turned away from countries where so many possess second TV sets and cars."

The UK has a history of helping people in desperate circumstances, the petition adds, with people fleeing the Balkans and earlier conflicts welcomed into the city.

Now the city of York is in a position to help people suffering in the present day, it adds.

"I hope this petition will encourage York City Council to commit to devising the infrastructure to help a set number of those seeking asylum.

"We have the skills and experience and we have the people and organisations who will support this."

At the weekend, more than 1000 people marched through York calling for the city to become a sanctuary for refugees.

Council leaders will be part of a meeting tomorrow afternoon with "key contacts from the voluntary and community sector", to help coordinate the local response and find the best way to harness the generosity of many residents offering to help.