Statement from Cllr Doug McMurdo
There is considerable amount of work going on in the background with regards to the “Asylum hotel” that was announced Tuesday 31st January 23. The earlier discussions referenced was for a proposal to open around Christmas 22 but following several discussions between the Home Office and others, this was stood down.
Until Tuesday this week we knew of nothing and given the location of the site it was felt it was not appropriate. Since learning the intention to mobilise in mid February I have done a lot of work to establish what it is the Home Office proposes. I have laid out the facts as to why the location is not appropriate and asked for a copy of the risk assesments they have done – to date I have not had a response. Richard Fuller MP, is fully engaged, and so far as I know he only knew a few hours before me. I have had two conversations with him and I know he has spoken to the relevant Minister yesterday. I have also had a meeting with key leads in our community that will be impacted in terms of the delivery of services. Be assured we have had no consultation, it is a policy of the Home Office and is a national rollout. We will continue to make representations on all fronts.