Call for 'asylum hotel' judicial review

MP Derek Wyatt joined campaigners in Westminster

An MP has called for a judicial review into the way the government has handled plans to house asylum seekers in a Kent hotel.

Sittingbourne MP Derek Wyatt said he thinks it is the only way his town can "get the Coniston Hotel back".

Mr Wyatt was speaking after he and a group of residents met immigration minister Beverley Hughes to discuss the situation.

Plans to turn the hotel into an induction centre housing 111 asylum seekers have been put on hold after claims the public were not consulted.

Terry Brennand: "We don't know where we stand."

The meeting with Ms Hughes came after Mr Wyatt and members of the newly-formed campaign group Sittingbourne Action Committee in Kent delivered a 7,000-signature petition to Downing Street.

Local resident Terry Brennand, a member of SACK, said the minister had seemed concerned with their protest.

He said: "Ms Hughes apologised for the way in which the Government has handled this issue.

Legal appeal

"We don't know where we stand at the moment which is why this issue needs to be solved in weeks rather than months.

"The Coniston is used as a community centre, with a ballroom, a bar and eating place - we all use it."

The Home Office said details of the private meeting could not be discussed but in a statement said: "We appreciate that the way things have taken place were not ideal but that's why we are consulting people now."

Swale Borough Council has launched a legal appeal against the scheme, saying planning permission should be needed as turning the hotel into an asylum centre constitutes a change of use.

A public meeting on the issue is due to take place in Sittingbourne on Thursday evening and a protest march is planned for Friday night.