SCORES of campaigners gathered in a protest and counter protest in York today, over the arrival of refugees in the city.

More than 60 pro-refugee supporters gathered at the Railway Workers War Memorial in Station Rise, ahead of the arrival of about a dozen refugees over the next year.

Among those welcoming refugees to the city was Councillor Andy D’Agorne, who said the number of supporters sent a positive message from the city of York.

He said: “I think it sends a message that the notion that turning refugees away isn’t something that has support in York. Refugees have very difficult experience because they are fleeing from conflict and the last thing they want is a protest questioning whether we should be welcoming them.

“The important message from today is that a lot of people from all across the city are concerned about the situation in Syria and we want to find solutions and we need to find a humanitarian response.”

Jon Reynolds, who was part of the group opposing refugees coming to York, said he and fellow supporters of the Facebook page York Says No Refugees were not racist, but wanted to see the city look after its own homeless and troubled before taking in those from other countries.

He said: “I am not anti-refugee, let them in. But wait until we get our country back on our feet first before we even contemplate it.

“My argument is let’s sort the closures of our old people’s homes, let’s sort the NHS out, let’s sort everything else out, before they open the borders and let these people in.”

The protests came ahead of a silent vigil in reflection on the refugee crisis, which was held in Exhibition Square at 4.30pm, which saw more than 60 people light candles and hold up banners and signs declaring York welcomes refugees.

Organiser Esme Madill said: “It’s been great, absolutely what we wanted - a peaceful demonstration with large numbers from all communities in the city, faith groups, and students. The police have been amazing I can’t talk highly enough of them.

“I only wish people would engage with us if they have concerns refugees are not in public and social housing. It’s tiny numbers, 63 individuals over five years, about 12 people a year. Looking at Syria it’s inconceivable York cannot take 12 people a year over the next five years with help from the Government.”

*No arrests were made at either of these events, but one man was issued with a dispersal order and instructed to leave the scene of the vigil by police.