Government proposals to accommodate 83 asylum seekers on a street nicknamed 'Migrant Street' in the Shropshire village of Stoke Heath have been suspended following a significant reversal. The decision came after residents expressed outrage that asylum seekers would be housed in a terrace of newly-built properties on Dutton Close, which had originally been earmarked for social housing before Home Office contractor Serco took over.
Background of the Controversy
The development emerged as the Government winds down migrant hotels by 2029 and transfers individuals into 'properties and ex-military sites'. Locals in Stoke Heath were notified that 21 new dwellings would be used to accommodate between 83 and 121 asylum seekers. Villagers contended the location was too isolated, with the nearest shop four miles away and a half-hour walk to the closest bus stop.
Community Meeting and Government Reversal
In response to the outcry, the Government reportedly 'put a halt' on relocating asylum seekers into Dutton Close. The reversal occurred moments before locals gathered for a meeting with Tory MP Mark Pritchard, who had previously described the village as 'completely inappropriate' for the initiative. Over 100 residents packed into Stoke-on-Tern Parish Hall on Thursday night, requiring photographic identification for entry.
Following the meeting, Mr Pritchard commented: 'It was a well attended meeting. I thought the meeting raised important, legitimate questions and it was done in a respectful and moderate way. It is disappointing that Serco, who were invited but didn't attend, Shropshire Council were invited, they didn't attend. The Home Office were invited and they failed to send a representative.'
Review of the Scheme
Mr Pritchard added: 'The update I have is good news. On the way to the meeting this evening I received a call from a very senior Home Office official that said they are putting a halt, which is what I was calling for, on any further asylum seekers going into Dutton Close. The ones already there have been relocated to another location. The big story is that there is now going to be a review of the whole scheme. How long will the review take? I don't know. Who will be the final decision maker? I suspect it will be the Home Secretary, who in the last few hours as you all know has said that asylum seekers should not be in new build accommodation such as we have in Stoke Heath. If that is the government's policy, then they should announce very quickly, to end the uncertainty and fear in the community.'
Resident Reactions
Local resident Tonia Roberts said she was hopeful the newly constructed properties would be allocated for social housing. She said: 'We're just hoping we'll get a good result. It's given us some hope I think, whereas before we didn't have hope. It's not an appropriate place to have these asylum seekers. There's nothing there. We just cannot facilitate them, quite frankly. The family that were there have moved out. I think they felt a bit nervous about being there on their own. It's still going to be weeks and weeks before we know, but it does give us a little bit more confidence that things will be going in the right way.'
Fellow Dutton Close resident Kevin Plews added: 'I'm very pleased that it's going to be under review. I asked the question whether it was a Home Office smoke and mirrors thing and if they're looking to put them on the Tern Hill Barracks site and try and make out it's a less intrusive proposition. So we'll have to see. We are very disappointed in Shropshire Council. They seem to be keeping their cards very close to their chests. They are not very forthcoming with information on what they know and what they're going to do. They are trying to keep us in the dark. I think they know more that they're making out.'
Neighbour John Getty was less optimistic: 'No corks are popping yet. I think it's still going to happen. The Government lie every day. We've just got to keep fighting it. It's all we can do.'
Impact on Asylum Seekers
A family residing in one of the properties prior to being rehoused had previously stated they were desperate to leave following incidents of harassment. Muhammad Nadeem, his wife Shamaila, and their four children fled their native Pakistan two years ago and settled in the UK. Muhammad, 40, said: 'This is no good for us this place. It's too rural. I have diabetes and back pain. We now have security guards outside but we don't feel safe. We don't want to be here. It is not suitable for us, it is too far for jobs, shops and schools.'
The Home Office have been approached for comment.
