THE impending arrival of 50 Syrian refugees into Worcestershire has sparked a deluge of public reaction - with the move appearing to divide opinion.

People across the county have contacted this newspaper to have their say since we revealed how the desperate refugee's arrivals are just weeks away.

While Worcester's MP has praised Worcestershire County Council and lots of readers have offered help, many others say the figure is too high.

It comes as the county now faces new pressure to accept even more after an about-turn from the PM.

Charles Hardiman, 51, of Worcester, one of many residents to contact us, said: "We have to play some part and 50 is not a big number, Worcester alone has 100,000 people in it.

"Too many people seem to have lost perspective over this."

Lisa Rankine, 22, a nurse who lives in Evesham, said: "It's beyond a joke, we have hospitals full, schools full, not enough homes so people can't afford to move out (of their parents' house).

"It's stupid. Why is the UK always expected to help?"

Lyndsey McCart, of St John's, Worcester, emailed to say she backed it.

"It's disgusting that so many people think this is wrong, it sums up what's wrong with society," she said.

"Where is our humanity?"

Scores of people have also left messages on our website, Twitter account and Facebook page with divided opinions.

A website reader called Europeanist64, who backed the move, said: "One of my son's school pals was an unaccompanied Kurdish lad who was a refugee, he settled in Kidderminster and was a great lad - we loved having him around."

A fellow poster called Malvern Phantom said we should "help our own first,", adding: "I feel sorry for anyone on the housing list and in need living on the street."

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "I'm glad the county council has got on board because I recognise the importance of Worcestershire playing its part.

"I have always recognised the challenges the council had, but the fact we are getting involved and helping reflects the strong, civil society we do have in Worcestershire."

The debate comes as Worcestershire now faces more pressure to increase the tally further after the Prime Minister's sudden u-turn yesterday.

David Cameron has dropped his opposition over letting a further 3,000 refugee children in dangerous EU refugee camps arrive here, with councils expected to now share the extra burden of taking them in.

It will take the number of Syrian refugees entering Britain between now and 2020 from 23,000 to 26,000, with the extra children due to be identified from camps in France, Greece and Italy.

For now no changes are planned to Worcestershire's deal to take in 50 refugees this year, but Mr Cameron's promise means the county council will be asked to consider going further in the years to come.

The Local Government Association, which represents town halls, yesterday encouraged a wide debate, warning that child refugees should not become the responsibility of only a small number of English councils.

* 50 Syrian refugees heading to Worcestershire 'within weeks'.