BROMSGROVE is 'unlikely' to receive any asylum seekers under the Government plan to relieve pressure on the south of the country.

The National Asylum Seekers Service (NASS) decided rural areas such as Worcestershire might have difficulty linking asylum seekers to ethnic minority communities.

Instead they will stay in urban areas such as Birmingham.

It was indicated in June that Herefordshire and Worcestershire may receive up to 560 individuals starting from last month.

Representatives from Worcestershire County Council's social services and education departments, and district councils in the area, have been meeting to prepare for the possible arrival.

The county's portfolio holder for social services, health and well-being, Cllr Peter Pinfield (Lab, Droit.Town), said: "I am proud we have shown our commitment to the Government's programme by working together in preparation for these people and I am sure the time spent will not have been wasted."