The Conservative administration of Swindon Borough Council could be instructed to investigate how it can help the resettlement of Afghan refugees in the borough.

Two new Conservative backbench councillors have put forward a motion to be debated and voted on at the full council meeting on Thursday reinforcing the authority’s commitment to aiding those fleeing Afghanistan and needing refuge.

The motion submitted by Vijay Manro and Dan Smith says: “Swindon is proud to be a multi-racial and diverse town that is home to many with Afghan heritage who are part of our community. This council wishes you to know that our collective thoughts are with you and your families.

“Swindon stands ready to help those fleeing from Afghanistan.”

It adds approval of the government’s plan to take 20,000 refugees from the wart-torn country, with 5,000 to arrive this year and says: ”This council is delighted that Swindon is currently part of the National Asylum Seeker Dispersal Programme and is one of only five places in the South West who regularly support and house refugees throughout the year.

In June alone, we provided housing for 29 refugees from a variety of different countries, which was almost half the number that were housed in the whole region.”

If the motion is passed, council leader David Renard will be asked to write to the Prime Minister to pledge the authority’s continued support for the Afghan people and to bring a report to cabinet outlining what actions the council can and will take to support the government’s resettlement programme.”

Coun Manro said he had a very personal reason for wanting to do as much as possible to help those fleeing Afghanistan

He and his family were some of the 27,000 Ugandan Asians expelled in 1972 from the African county by its brutal dictator Idi Amin.

Coun Manro said: “I have seen the media reports coining out of Afghanistan and it’s clear that people are not safe there, those who have helped the UK government and forces, or the USA are in danger.

"We have a responsibility to them to help"

Coun Manro added: "My family was one of those who were given just 90 days to leave Uganda in 1972. We lived about 50 miles from the capital Kampala and had to drive to the British Consulate and stand outside in the queue for an exit visa. It would close at 5pm and people were just sent home and told to come the next day.

"It took a week or two to get the visa and then you had 48 hours to leave and could only take out £50."

Coun Manro said his family lost everything it owned, but like many of the Asians who fled Uganda, it is made a success of life in the UK.

He said: "I'm sure once the Afghan refugees have come and settled down they will be as successful and make as storing a contribution to Britain and its economy as my family and those like it have done."

The meeting starts at 7pm at the council chamber in Euclid Street on Thursday. The public may attend.