Concerns over asylum seekers in local hotels taken to the heart of Westminster

A local councillor has written to the Home Secretary, detailing the concerns of residents about asylum seekers being housed in nearby hotels including the Holiday Inn at Woolston.

While the residents say they are sympathetic to the plight of asylum seekers, they are worried that they have not been consulted on exactly who is being housed in the accommodation.

In response to their concerns, Rixton and Woolston Councillor Rob Tynan says he has taken the concerns to the heart of Westminster and penned the letter to the Home Secretary addressing the use of hotels in his ward under the Asylum Dispersal Scheme. This move follows a comprehensive summer survey conducted among residents, revealing strong sentiments on immigration and asylum issues.

The survey found that more than 97 per cent of residents support the Prime Minister’s pledge to tackle illegal immigration, but 98 per cent want to see an end in the use of hotels to house asylum seekers and would rather see alternative accommodation, such as disused army barracks looked at.
Many of those who completed the survey, more than 93 per cent, support the Government’s plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda Government, adding that they fully support the Prime Minister’s promise to stop the boats, so those who come to the country illegally are detained and swiftly removed.
Commenting on the survey Cllr. Tynan said: “It’s crucial that Woolston’s voice is acknowledged and addressed.
“The results are clear – we have done our bit for the Asylum Dispersal Scheme and residents overwhelmingly do not support it. Like me, my residents want the boats stopped, and that is why I am glad the Government is acting with the Illegal Migration Bill and Nationality and Borders Act.”

When Asylum seekers arrived at the Holiday Inn last May it sparked concerns from Warrington Borough Council and police.
As well as The Holiday Inn, asylum seekers are housed at the nearby Paddington House, the Fir Grove at Grappenhall and the Lord Daresbury just outside Warrington.