Migrant Barge: Portland Police holding events to reassure public

A series of events are being held on Portland by Dorset Police, as the island gears up for the first asylum seekers to move on board a barge at the Port.

Up to 500 asylum seekers are due to be housed on the Bibby Stockholm while their applications are processed by the Home Office.

It's understood the first of those will arrive next week.

Police will be out at venues across Portland over the next month, for communities to meet officers and raise concerns.

The first engagement event is being held today (Saturday 5th August).

Dorset Police has a dedicated team working with the port and the Bibby Stockholm to support the arrival of the asylum seekers and the local communities.

Local Policing Commander Chief Superintendent Richard Bell said:

“We have been working tirelessly with our partners over the last four months to ensure we have effective plans in place to keep the residents of Portland, Weymouth and the Bibby Stockholm safe and secure.

“We recognise that many residents still have concerns. The surgeries will give local people an opportunity to talk directly to the officers and staff engaged on the policing operation and their neighbourhood police team. This will allow us to better understand those concerns and explain our policing response. I would encourage residents who have a question to pop in and meet the team.

“We understand that for many this is an unsettling time for Portland and Weymouth residents, who have found themselves in the national spotlight and part of a wider national debate. We will continue to work with our partners to monitor your concerns and find solutions to the issues that are raised.”

The community engagement events will be held throughout August and into September:

• Saturday 5th August, from 12.00pm at the Beehive Café

• Tuesday 8th August, from 5.00pm at Tesco

• Friday 11th August, from 11.00am at Portland Social Club

• Wednesday 16th August, from 10.00am at the Osprey Leisure Centre

• Saturday 19th August, from 6.00pm at the Beehive Café

• Tuesday 22nd August, from 7.00pm at Easton Gardens

• Thursday 24th August, from 10.00am at the Osprey Leisure Centre

• Tuesday 29th August, from 11.00am at the YMCA

• Saturday 2nd September, from 12.00pm at Portland Social Club

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