It’s understood that at least 80% of the asylum seekers who are set to arrive in Hale next week will be families.
The Home Office had previously identified the Ashley Hotel in Hale village as a location for a group of up to 112 immigrants who have arrived by small boat from France.
It had been feared that the group would be exclusively male, raising security concerns among the local community.
Local MP Sir Graham Brady had described the proposed location as the “most obviously inappropriate location you could imagine” for such a group.
But Brady has now confirmed to Altrincham Today that after lobbying Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, the Minister of State for Immigration, he has received confirmation that “at least 80%” of the incoming residents will be families.
Where single men have been housed alongside families in hotels in other locations, behaviour is “greatly improved”, Brady added.
“There was considerable concern that a large number of single young men housed in the Ashley Hotel might cause problems,” he told us.
“I raised these concerns with the Home Secretary and the Immigration Minister and I am pleased to have received confirmation that at least 80% of the asylum seekers to be accommodated at the hotel will be families.
“I am relieved that this much improved outcome has been achieved.”
It’s understood that the asylum seekers will be moving in next week.
Trafford Council had previously accused Home Secretary Suella Braverman of presenting them with a “fait accompli” with regard to asylum seekers.
Council leader Cllr Tom Ross criticised Braverman’s department for only involving the local authority “at the eleventh hour”.
He wrote: “We will play our part with professionalism and dedication, but this arrangement is far from ideal.
“My point in writing to you is to underline that asylum seekers are often vulnerable people with complex needs, who require specialist care and support. We object to the principle of using hotels in this way as they are not a suitable type of accommodation to house and support asylum seekers in the right way. This situation is made worse by your department’s disjointed and confusing implementation.”
He added: “Trafford has a proud tradition of welcoming newcomers and has vibrant migrant communities. In recent years, we have become home to people from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine as well as a significant number of Hong Kongers.
“At the time of writing, the exact number of asylum seekers, their specific needs, and the length of time they will be staying there at the Ashley Hotel, has not been shared with us. I would, therefore, urge you to clarify the matters I have raised as soon as possible so that our teams can make all necessary arrangements.”
Jane Leicester, Green Party councillor for Hale Central, has said that any asylum seekers should be treated with compassion.
“We need to remember that these people are coming from dangerous, often war-torn areas and are seeking a place of safety,” she said.
