Abuse on the high street has become the flashpoint in an outer London town’s row over locally-housed migrants costing taxpayers millions.
Tension was clearly high with one man having a row in the middle of the street after a group of youngsters ran into him, pushed him and shouted “English B*****d” before bolting to a nearby shopping center.
The local man, who did not give his name, chased the group of youths, confronting them in a shocking moment witnessed by the Express.
Only after he threatened to contact the police did they apologise. Locals say it is a sign of tempers fraying as pressure on services in Uxbridge grows.
Hillingdon Borough, where Uxbridge can be found, is carrying one of the largest migrant burdens in the country.
Local councillors say costs have soared past £10million a year, and local MP David Simmonds said that Labour was “dumping [migrants] at Hillingdon’s door..
The borough has a legal obligation to house people who present as homeless after arriving through Heathrow. The resulting workload falls on local services and taxpayers.
People on the ground say community relations are suffering. “There’s no money for local services,” said Mrs Kelly, 63, who has lived in Uxbridge for three decades and works four days a week on minimum wage. “I’d stop it all. Other services are suffering. There are too many people in this country. The last four years it’s gotten much worse, too many people and not enough money. People who live and work here are not getting what they deserve.”
Another woman who has lived in the area for 25 years said she felt “really concerned” for the safety of women and children. “There has been an increase in homelessness, people sleeping on the streets,” she said. “The Home Office must take on the cost for housing these illegal migrants. I’ve nothing against legals, but this lot are playing the system. Soon, the bottom is going to fall out. There’s a very strong feeling around here that it’s wrong.”
Several residents blamed funding decisions for stretching services to breaking point. John Smith, 75, said: “It’s terrible. I’ve no objection to them being here if they have the right to come here. But the cost should be shared across the country, not just paid by one borough.”
Parents say they feel left behind. Rachael Craig, 41, a council-housed mother of six, said: “Everyone has to be housed, but a lot of people already living here are struggling to get properties. I don’t think we’re looked after.” Her friend, Vanessa Hampson, 33, who has three children, added: “I’ve been waiting six years for a house and I’m still waiting. It’s just a joke.”
Others, however, urged balance. Lidia Guernieri said: “It’s nice that we are helping others. If help is needed, then help we should, but we should balance it against other needs.”
The tension remains visible. One man said it was now “a struggle to hear English on the high street”. He pointed to a rare foot patrol nearby after the slur incident. “It takes a week to get an appointment,” he said. “It’s changed in the three years I’ve lived here.”
