Carmarthenshire Council’s advocacy pays off as Home Office retracts its asylum seeker housing scheme amidst escalating community discord.
In a welcomed change of course, the Home Office has withdrawn its initiative to house asylum seekers at Stradey Park Hotel and Spa in Furnace, Llanelli. The announcement made on October 10 comes after Carmarthenshire County Council voiced substantial concerns regarding escalating community tensions and the detrimental impact on local employment.
A spokesperson for the Local Authority expressed satisfaction with the decision: “The County Council is pleased that the Home Office has come to this decision,” they said. Council Leader Darren Price and Chief Executive Wendy Walters had previously communicated their apprehensions to Home Office Ministers and senior civil servants, urging a re-evaluation of the plan.
The council asserted their commitment to work alongside police and hotel owners to ensure the site is “managed appropriately.” Council Leader Darren Price applauded the Home Office’s decision, stating, “I very much welcome the decision of the Home Office to withdraw its plans for the Stradey Park Hotel; it’s the right decision for the hotel and more importantly, it’s the right decision for the people of Furnace.”
Dame Nia Griffith MP also expressed contentment over the decision, reflecting on the adverse effects the initial plan had on the community. “This debacle has seen the hollowing out of a key landmark hotel in the area with the loss of almost 100 jobs. It has created divisions within local communities and taken up valuable resources from our public services at a time when they were already stretched.”
The town had witnessed a series of protests against the conversion of Stradey Park into a migrant hotel, with demonstrators rallying outside the premises since May. The opposition escalated to a point where police intervention was required earlier this month, following reports of fires set alight outside the hotel. The situation highlighted the growing discontent among locals, making the Home Office’s decision a crucial step towards mending community relations and looking ahead to a more unified future.
Carmarthenshire Commander, Superintendent Ross Evans reiterated the importance of maintaining public safety while respecting the right to peaceful protest. The latest decision by the Home Office is seen as a triumph for local governance, reflecting a responsive and considerate approach towards addressing the concerns of the Carmarthenshire community.
The story unfolds as a testament to the power of local advocacy in steering national decision-making towards a path that honours communal harmony and economic sustainability. Story Source
