Warning over asylum hotels

Asylum seekers are staying in overcrowded conditions

An asylum seekers' organisation is being criticised for the accommodation it chooses for refugees.

Dover District Council is considering taking legal action over the accommodation chosen for asylum seekers by the town's Migrant Helpline.

Environmental health officers are concerned about the safety of three hotels near the Eastern Docks.

A report by Dover's chief environmental health officer says an inspection of the Cliffe Court, East Cliff and Gordon House hotels has uncovered overcrowding and outdated fire precautions.

The owner of Cliffe Court, Bill Hankin, was prosecuted over the state of another of his hotels, Amsterdam House, on Folkestone Road, in March, and was fined £20,000.

The council says the three hotels now being used to house asylum seekers must register as houses of multiple occupation, and if they do not further action, including legal proceedings, will be considered.