Last month the leader of Runnymede Borough Council and I publicised Home Office plans to accommodate nearly 300 asylum seekers in Syward Place, Chertsey. We highlighted our concerns over these plans due to the impact they would have on local services, particularly health and education, and concerns that this site was designated to provide affordable housing for local residents.
Since then I have been in contact with Home Office officials requesting further detailed information regarding these plans and the process they are undertaking to identify suitable accommodation sites. I am disappointed that the process being followed does not appear to include any plans to engage with or consider the impact on the local community.
I have therefore today written to the Home Office Minister, along with Cllr Tom Gracey and Chertsey Conservative Councillors, requesting a meeting and that these plans be paused until Home Office officials have engaged fully with Runnymede Borough Council to consider alternative accommodation options.
You may also be aware of a petition against these proposals, promoted by the local Conservative team. I have signed this petition as a further way to send a clear message to the Home Office over the strength of feeling regarding these plans. You can see more about this here: www.runnymedeweybridgeconservatives.com/news/serious-concerns-over-plan-house-asylum-seekers-chertsey
