The Austin Hotel, alongside the A127 in Hornchurch (credit: Google Maps)
More than 200 people could be placed at The Austin Hotel, which is adjacent to the A127. The hotel used to be called Palms Hotel.
The placement would not be permanent, although it is not known how long those seeking asylum would be likely to stay there.
Local council leader, Cllr Damian White, has highlighted that the Council and the local CCG, the body which represents local GPs, have not been consulted, despite the potential impact on services.
Writing to the home secretary, Priti Patel, Cllr White said: “Your department’s contractor, Clearsprings Ready Homes, has advised us they expect local services to provide GP and mental health services. Neither the council nor health partners have been able to obtain information about the likely occupants of the hotel and the needs they may present with, at a time when services are already stretched.
“The location of the Palms Hotel also presents risks for those placed there, which I do not believe have been properly assessed and addressed. The building has been unoccupied for some time, is a ‘roadhouse’ style building on a busy dual carriageway with no local facilities such as shops of pharmacies nearby. It has no facilities for children and is not designed for stays of more than a couple of days.”
Last week we were told that the Palms Hotel, Southend Arterial Road will be used as ‘dispersal accommodation’ for asylum seekers. We’re concerned: the venue is inappropriate & support to local partners is inadequate. @CllrDamianWhite has written to @ukhomeoffice to ask some Qs. pic.twitter.com/e2S2ofuovH
— Havering Council (@LBofHavering) June 22, 2020
Time 107.5 understands that Julia Lopez, the MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, has written to Priti Patel to raise her concerns.
In her letter, Mrs Lopez wrote: “It is important to get the facts on exactly what is proposed so that we can better understand the impact or otherwise on local healthcare, education and other public services, whether this site is suitable for such a purpose given its location and design, and the likely average length of stay.
“I am very alarmed that any decision of this nature by the Home Office or its contractors would not be taken in consultation with the local council, NHS or other relevant stakeholders who may need to be involved in the provision of services.”
The Member of Parliament for Romford, Andrew Rosindell has also written to the home secretary, although the hotel is not in his constituency.
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Tags: Havering, Hornchurch
