South Holland District Council is urging the Government to halt proposals to use apartments in Sutton Bridge for asylum dispersal accommodation.
Cllr Nick Worth, Leader of the Council, has written to Rt Hon Alex Norris MP, Minister for Border Security and Asylum at the Home Office to strongly lobby against the proposal.
Despite detailed representation from the Council – supported by Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire NHS Integrated Care Board – raising concerns about the suitability of the site, the Home Office has indicated it intends to proceed.
The Council is urging the Government to act with urgency and reconsider its decision and seek alternatives that would place less pressure on local services.
Cllr Nick Worth said: “This is about ensuring appropriate support for people seeking asylum. Sutton Bridge is the most deprived area of South Holland and placing additional vulnerable residents there, is simply not appropriate.
“It would add significant pressure on already stretched local services, in an area with poor transport links and limited infrastructure.
“We recognise the national pressures associated with asylum accommodation, but locations must be carefully chosen and the needs of local communities properly considered. This proposal does not adequately reflect the evidence provided by the Council and our partners.
“We therefore ask that the Home Office pause the progression of this site and reconsider before any further steps are taken.”
Cllr Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing, said: “This is not about opposing support for those seeking asylum, it is about ensuring that homes are delivered in the right place, with access to health services, support services and suitable transport links whilst not negatively impacting local residents who already have stretched services.
“Sutton Bridge is a sensitive location and any issues arising from this decision by the Home Office would have a disproportionate impact on residents and local services.
“We urge the Government to cease the proposal and meet with us to discuss our concerns."