I am pleased to announce the Immigration Minister has confirmed to me that proposals for asylum accommodation at Syward Place, Chertsey, have been dropped following a strong local campaign against the plans.
Working with the leader of Runnymede Borough Council Leader Councillor Tom Gracey and Chertsey Conservative Cllrs, we have worked to raise awareness of plans with residents, and send a clear message that the site was not suitable nor sustainable given its scale and the impact it would have on the availability of local services. We also highlighted to the Home Office the huge level of local concern over access to GPs and school places in particular, and the need for the Home Office to engage more proactively with communities to identify suitable alternative accommodation sites.
The Home Office have confirmed that they heard and understood our concerns. As part of their efforts to move asylum seekers out of hotels, and reduce costs for taxpayers, they will continue to engage with RBC and other local authorities on options for the provision of stable accommodation, and access to essential services, for asylum seekers.
