Alarm voiced at government moves to use former sheltered housing complex near Wisbech as accommodation for asylum seekers

Fenland District Council chiefs have expressed their ‘deep concern and alarm’ after the Government confirmed its intention to go ahead with its plans to use Roman Court, in Leverington, for asylum accommodation.

The Home Office confirmed its decision to use the site for 26-bed accommodation for women and babies seeking asylum in a letter received by the council on November 2.

A council spokesperson said: “The council believes the decision demonstrates a complete disregard for the serious risks the plans pose to public safety, community cohesion and civil unrest.

"It follows weeks of significant local opposition, public protests and a fire at Roman Court which remains the subject of an ongoing police investigation.”

The council states the decision comes despite detailed evidence highlighting concerns around community safety, safeguarding, pressures on local services, deprivation, crime levels and the suitability of the location.

It says the Home Office has concluded that the risks can be managed through existing arrangements and intends to proceed with the proposal, subject to the site meeting the required standards before occupation.

Cllr Sam Hoy, the council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “We are extremely alarmed by the Home Office’s decision which has been taken despite extensive evidence from the council and our partners highlighting serious concerns about the suitability of Roman Court and the risks associated with this proposal.

“What is particularly troubling is that the Home Office has chosen to proceed at a time when there has already been significant unrest linked to these plans, including public protests and the fire at the site, which remains the subject of an ongoing police investigation.

“These events have demonstrated the strength of local concern and the heightened tensions that exist within the community. We do not believe those circumstances can simply be dismissed as issues that can be managed through routine arrangements.

“Our position remains unchanged. Roman Court is the wrong location for this proposal, and we remain deeply concerned about the impact on both future residents and the wider community.

“We will continue to make our objections known to the Home Office and work with our partners to ensure local concerns are heard and appropriately addressed.”

In its letter to the council, the Home Office states: “Serco, as the contracted accommodation provider, will be required to complete the necessary mobilisation and compliance activity and demonstrate that the site and proposed operating arrangements meet the applicable contractual, legal, regulatory and property requirements before occupation.

"This will include the relevant safeguarding, welfare, security, fire safety and operational arrangements.

It adds: “Where site-specific action or mitigation is required, this will be taken forward with Serco and the relevant partners as the site progresses.

And it promises: “The accommodation will not become operational until the applicable requirements have been met, with input from relevant partners sought through the appropriate channels where required.

"The Home Office remains committed to working collaboratively with Fenland Council and other relevant partners.”