Plans to house 82 asylum seekers near Royal Wootton Bassett opposed by MP

An MP has opposed plans to house 82 asylum seekers near Royal Wootton Bassett.

The Wiltshire Hotel is reportedly ready to offer emergency accommodation to those entering the country illegally via the English Channel over the coming days and weeks.

But local MP James Gray has opposed the plans – claiming the hotel’s rural location, on the A3102 between the town and Tockenham, is not a suitable venue.

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He’s written to the Home Secretary to voice his concerns, asking the government to find an establishment in a “more central location”.

“The Wiltshire Hotel is in my view entirely unsuitable as a potential migrant housing site due to its very rural location and because it is primarily used for leisure activities such as golf”, he said.

Adding: “If there is any way a better site in a more central location could be found, I would be grateful.

The Wiltshire Hotel entrance (credit: Google Maps)

“In the meantime, please register my strongest possible opposition to this plan.”

Mr Gray said the Home Office’s notification email read: “This year we face record levels of asylum seekers arriving illegally in small boats.

“This has placed significant pressure on our accommodation – which we are legally required to provide to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute – whilst we consider their claim for international protection.”

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