Police were called to the former Holiday Inn, now The Kings Gap, in Hoylake on Tuesday night (July 29) after social media reports claimed that the Home Office had “unilaterally” decided to shift the hotel’s use from housing asylum-seeking families to single males. Relocations are rumoured to be starting later this week.
Wirral Council is said to have “strongly opposed” the change in use of the premises, while local residents are said to be angry over what they see as a “lack of transparency and communication” on the issue. One told the WirralGlobe: “I’m particularly concerned about the implications on community safety and safeguarding – and what risk assessments have been completed”. In a Facebook post updated on Tuesday, Ward Councillor News for Hoylake, Meols & Central West Kirby said: “We’re informing you on a concerning move by the Home Office regarding the former Holiday Inn, now The Kings Gap Hotel, in Hoylake. After their National Review, the Home Office has unilaterally decided to shift the hotel’s use from housing asylum-seeking families to single males, with relocations starting by July’s end—this week.
The Express has contacted the Home Office for confirmation and comment.
“Wirral Council strongly opposed this change, but the Labour Minister for Immigration has pushed ahead. SERCO, the Home Office’s contractor, will relocate the current families to unspecified locations in the Midlands, Northwest, or Northeast. We’ve had no prior notice of this decision; these are dictated solely by the Home Office.
The leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Paula Basnett, meanwhile, said: “I fully understand the concerns and frustrations many residents feel about the potential change in use of the Kings Gap Hotel.
“Let me be absolutely clear: the safety and wellbeing of both the families currently within the building and the wider Hoylake community is the top priority for Wirral Council.
“It’s important to recognise that decisions about asylum dispersal locations are made solely by the Home Office.
“Local councils, including Wirral, have no authority over these decisions.
“However, we are committed to working closely with Merseyside Police and other local partners to monitor and manage any impacts on the community.
“There’s still some uncertainty around the specific details of how the site is being used, which may mean planning permission needs to be reviewed.
“We’re continuing to seek clarification from the Home Office to understand whether any formal planning approvals are required.
“In the meantime, I would ask people to remember that this is a residential area.
“It’s important that we all take shared responsibility for respecting the peace, safety, and wellbeing of our neighbours — especially the families who are still residing in the facility.”
Merseyside Police confirmed Tuesday’s protest was peaceful and there were no arrests.