Home Office holds sessions for Scampton locals over asylum seeker plans
There's been a chance for people to ask questions over the proposals
Last updated 31st Aug 2023
Many people from the Scampton area who've been to meetings today say they haven't had the answers they were looking for on asylum seeker plans.
The Home office has been holding sessions at the Lincolnshire Showground about proposals to house migrants at the former base.
Up to 400 residents - who live the closest to the site - have been invited to take part in sessions through the day. The meetings were for up to 100 people per session.
They've been discussing what's likely to happen and taking queries.
It's as the Government is currently planning to move migrants onto the site from the end of September.
It comes as West Lindsey District Council has announced the dates for it's Judicial Review of the Home Office plans. It's set to go before the High Court on 31st October and 1st November. It'll argue that the former airbase is unsuitable for housing migrants.
These people told us they weren't impressed with the meetings:
One woman told us: "Very disappointing , they couldn't answer any of our questions. They clearly have not got a plan ready to go. They've got no risk assessments, it's just abysmal really".
This man spoke to us after the meeting "Disappointing that they don't seem to have done a risk assessment or anything on the project - just seems like naivety".
This man told us what he thought: " Really we found out that the Home Office don't seem to have done anything for security for people who are living on Scampton base. Pretty much a waste of time quite frankly".
This man told us he walked out of the session:
"They're not prepared to discuss the Judicial Review, they're not prepared to discuss politics. They're simply there to explain what they are going to be doing. I don't need to hear that. I thought I could make more of a message by walking out".
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites provides cheaper and more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats whilst helping to reduce the use of hotels.
“These accommodation sites house asylum seekers in basic, safe and secure accommodation as they await a decision on their claim.
“We understand the concerns of local communities and will work closely with councils and key partners to manage the impact of using these sites, including liaising with local police to make sure appropriate arrangements are in place.”