The Government has confirmed that one of Wigan’s two controversial migrant hotels is set to close but is yet to confirm which one of the two in Standish.
The Britannia has accommodated migrants for several years, but it was announced last year that the Kilhey, was also to be requisitioned by the Home Office
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick announced to Parliament that 50 migrant hotels were to close in the coming weeks, some in a matter of days, as part of the Government’s latest bid to tackle migration and said that he had written to the councils whose areas these establishments fell.
Wigan’s MP Lisa Nandy said
“This is welcome news. From day one Wigan Council, the police and I have been clear that the hotels in use are unsuitable for vulnerable asylum seekers, with no support provided and in a village where local infrastructure is already under significant strain” adding
“Wigan has provided a warm welcome to refugees over the years but we cannot do it when Serco and the Home Office ignore our concerns. I hope this marks the start of a new relationship that shows some respect for our community and their representatives”
Councillor Dane Anderton, cabinet member for police, crime and civil contingencies at Wigan Council, said: “I’m pleased the government has listened to our concerns and agreed to stand down one of the asylum hotels in Standish.
“It is however disappointing that we as a council have still had no official communication from the Government Home Office despite our letters and motion on this matter.
“The leader, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, and chief executive, Alison Mckenzie-Folan, have continued to write to the Secretary of State for Immigration to voice the council’s and community’s concerns about the suitability of accommodation in Standish and the proximity of both hotels to each other.
“I’d like to thank our local MP, Lisa Nandy, and Standish ward members for all their hard work in successfully challenging the government’s use of multiple hotels in Standish.
“I’d also like to thank Standish Voice for all their support and local residents for their patience, understanding and measured response, allowing us to go through the proper channels to get to this decision.”
