Hotel chosen for asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are at the top of the political agenda

A Derby hotel has been put on standby to accommodate up to 100 asylum seekers.

The Pennine Hotel in Macklin Street has been chosen by Accomodata, a company supported by the National Asylum Support Service.

The Home Office says there are no immediate plans to bring it into use but the proposal has been criticised by the leader of the city council Chris Williamson.

He says such a city-centre location would not be suitable.

Financial reasons

He also called for better co-operation between the Home Office and local authorities over the selection of such accommodation.

Mr Williamson added: "We are usually consulted and involved but there are times when we are not consulted, such as in this case, and that is when difficulties arise.

"Around 1,900 asylum seekers have been relatively successfully accommodated in Derby and this is because people on the ground here have been involved.

"It's a problem when we are left out for what appears to be solely financial reasons."