More than 100 people gathered near Wigan Town Hall last night to oppose the decision to house asylum seekers in a Standish hotel.
Both protestors and Wigan Council disagree with the Home Office decision to house those fleeing danger abroad in Kilhey Court Hotel. And, on Wednesday evening at the authority's full council meeting, the stance was reiterated by Coun Dane Anderton, who stated he wanted to see councils consulted on these matters by the Home Office in future.
Organiser Coun Maureen O’Bern wants the council to take out an injunction against the Home Office decision. She believes this influx of migrants can lead to lost jobs and amenities, alongside increasing pressure on local health services.Speaking at the protest held on Believe Square, next door to the town hall, Coun O’Bern said: “The protest is against the government and their handling of the migrant crisis.
At the gathering on Wednesday evening, they were met by a counter protest led by a group who wanted to state that ‘refugees are welcome here’. Although the atmosphere was tense between the two sides, the protests remained peaceful - as promised by Coun O’Bern. Coun Anderton, portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, told the full council: “I firmly believe, and hope, that nobody in this chamber wants to turn anyone away who is fleeing some of the most harsh and horrific conditions in the world. Equally we can’t help everybody."
“No consultation, no discussion, no process to agree or disagree, no process to object or appeal - nothing. We were told it was happening.
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