A NEW report has lifted the lid on the cultural melting pot created in local communities as European nationals have made the area their home.

Latest figures released by the Home Office detail the number of applications to the EU Settlement Scheme submitted by foreign nationals who moved to Renfrewshire or East Renfrewshire to begin a new life.

In both areas, the same three nations – Poland, Italy and Romania – provide the largest proportion of applicants.

During the period between August 28, 2018, and December 31, 2019, a total of 3,090 applications for settlement were made in Renfrewshire.

Of these applicants, 1,330 were from Poland, 310 hailed from Italy and 260 had travelled from Romania.

Other nationalities on the list include Spain and Bulgaria (160 each), Portugal (120) and Hungary (100).

There were 660 people in East Renfrewshire applying for settlement between the same period.

Of these, 200 were from Poland, 90 hailed from Italy and 70 had travelled from Romania.

There were also applications from the likes of Spain (60), France (40) and Germany (30).

The EU Settlement Scheme aims to make it straightforward for EU citizens and their family members to stay in the UK after Brexit, guaranteeing their rights in UK law.

Applicants need to complete three key steps – prove their identity, show they live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions.

Security Minister Brandon Lewis said: “EU citizens are an integral part of our society, culture and community and the scheme guarantees their rights in UK law.

“It’s free, straightforward and I encourage all EU citizens living in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire to apply today.”

A wide range of support is available online, over the phone and in person to help EU citizens apply.

Visit www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families for more details.