Leaked plans to relocate migrants to a brand new development in a deprived town has left residents feeling worried and exploited. Known for its derelict high street, Waterlooville in Hampshire could soon see the arrival of migrants to a new site, as locals fear it may bring chaos to the streets. The Home Office plans to relocate 35 asylum seekers to properties above a cluster of shops, where flats can sell for £250,000.
The move is part of an initiative to lower the number of hotels being used to house migrants, “dispersing” them across various UK towns and cities. However, locals have been left furious due to it being done without any consultation with the local council. The town, which has been described as a “zombieland” due to its low visitor numbers, may now face protests similar to that of Epping and Canary Wharf. Residents are reportedly planning to take to the streets to block the move before a final decision is due to be made in a matter of days.
Waterlooville was once a bustling and vibrant highstreet, yet has lost many stores over the years such as Waitrose, Wilko and Peacocks.
While the town has kept Wetherspoons, residents fear the area’s “dead” community may soon be taken over by migrant men loitering in the town centre, MailOnline reports.
Steve, 58, said: “I’ve got a 13-year-old granddaughter. When you’re about that age, you want to go out up the high street, but I’d be worried now.
“There’s no criminal history checks on these people. It’s easy to get swept up in that aspect, but it’s not just that. I think it will attract trouble for us as well as the migrants.
“With the planned protests, I don’t want people to start smashing things up because that plays into the hands of the Home Office and police who say ‘see, there we go, right wing'”.
The new development is a converted block of 19 flats called Waterloo House, which is owned by Mountley Group. The company’s director, Hersch Schneck, owns another migrant hotel in Cosham.
The properties are located above a store called The Junk Emporium, which claims they only found out about the usage for migrants through Facebook.
An employee in the shop claims business has slowed since the announcement, as people believe they had involvement.
The council is currently undergoing a 10-day consultation extension period to consider the plans – a decision is expected on 1st August.
The Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Phil Munday, said: “I understand we have an instructed duty from the Home Office to house asylum seekers within the borough, however it is important that the council works closely with all concerned to advise on the placement for these vulnerable people.
“I have taken immediate action and personally called The Home Office to request an extension to their consultation in order for us to respond accordingly. This has also been followed up with formal requests in writing from our officers.
“We are extremely disappointed that the company involved with this important consultation, considering the impact it may have on our local community, was not only sent to an incorrect email address, but they also failed to follow up to ensure a response of some kind was registered. These consultation exercises need to be taken seriously.”
The Daily Express hs apprached the Home Office for comment.