Concerns raised over proposed asylum housing in Sutton Bridge
South Holland District Council is urging the Government to halt plans
South Holland District Council is urging the Government to stop plans to use apartments in Sutton Bridge to house asylum seekers.
Council leader Councillor Nick Worth has written to Home Office minister Alex Norris calling for the proposal to be paused.
The council says it has raised concerns about the suitability of the site, backed by Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire NHS Integrated Care Board, but claims the Home Office still intends to go ahead.
Councillor Nick Worth says the issue is about making sure people seeking asylum are housed in the right locations.
He said "Sutton Bridge is the most deprived area of South Holland and placing additional vulnerable residents there, is simply not appropriate.
“It would add significant pressure on already stretched local services, in an area with poor transport links and limited infrastructure.
“We recognise the national pressures associated with asylum accommodation, but locations must be carefully chosen and the needs of local communities properly considered."
Portfolio holder for housing, Councillor Tracey Carter, said “This is not about opposing support for those seeking asylum, it is about ensuring that homes are delivered in the right place, with access to health services, support services and suitable transport links whilst not negatively impacting local residents who already have stretched services."
Local ward councillors, including Cllr Christoper Brewis and Cllr Michael Booth, have also voiced opposition.