A GROWTH in complex cases has prompted the appointment of a new chief executive for refugee charity the Harbour Project.

The Broadgreen charity has appointed former BT executive Claire Garrett to the top role. She was previously vice-chairman of trustees at the Harbour.

In a statement, David Rowlands, chairman of trustees, said: “We are entering a new phase at the Harbour, where we are seeing people come to us with increasingly complex cases. We are taking this opportunity to develop our work further, especially around the learning of English and in reducing social isolation.”

The charity celebrates its 18th anniversary this year. It supports scores of refugees and asylum seekers posted in Swindon by the Home Office while they wait on the outcome of their asylum bids.

Claire Garrett, 54, who last year ran the Swindon Half Marathon with in aid of the Harbour Project, said: “I will be remaining true to the great foundations that have allowed the Harbour to become the trusted organisation it is today, ensuring stability and longevity going forward.

“We will continue to put the needs of our visitors at the heart of everything that we do so that, with a solid funding base, the Harbour can celebrate many more birthdays and key milestones in times to come.”