Plans to house asylum seekers in Sutton Bridge have been met by opposition at South Holland District Council.
Leader of the council Nick Worth has written to the government to lobby against the proposal and calls have gone out for a meeting.
The government has proposed to use apartments in Sutton Bridge for asylum dispersal accommodation.
Despite representation from the district council, police and NHS integrated care board, the Home Office has indicated that it intends to proceed with the move.
“This is about ensuring appropriate support for people seeking asylum. Sutton Bridge is the most deprived area of South Holland and placing additional vulnerable residents there is simply not appropriate,” said Mr Worth.
The district council is urging the government to act with urgency and reconsider the decision while seeking alternative places that would put less pressure on local services.
“It would add significant pressure on already stretched local services, in an area with poor transport links and limited infrastructure.
“We recognised the national pressures associated with asylum accommodation, but locations must be carefully chosen and the needs of local communities properly considered. This proposal does not adequately reflect the evidence provided by the council and our partners.”
District council member of the area Chris Brewis, said he also strongly opposed the proposal.
“Sutton Bridge is already under pressure with limted healthcare provision, remote policing facilities and below-average public transport. There is also a shortage of rental housing for local people,” he said.
Another council member, Tracey Carter, portfolio holder for strategic and operational housing, 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.
“We therefore ask that the Home Office pause the progression of this site and reconsider before any further steps are taken.
“We urge the government to cease the proposal and meet with us to discuss our concerns.”
The government is looking to stop using ‘asylum hotels’ by allocating accommodation elsewhere, including vacant residential property.
