After the Home Office announced its intention to place more than 300 asylum seekers in brand new flats in Pinehurst Hill Side, Farnborough, local Member of Parliament, Leo Docherty MP, visited the site with Empress Ward Councillor, Cllr Marina Munro, (pictured). During the visit they spoke with a number of local residents to hear their views.
Commenting after the visit, Leo said:
I am strongly opposed to this plan and do not believe that the building and location chosen to house asylum seekers are appropriate.
"While asylum seekers do need to be temporarily housed somewhere safe while their applications are processed, brand new flats near the centre of Farnborough is not the right place. My visit today and speaking with residents only reinforces my view.
"I have been making strong representations to the Home Office in recent weeks, encouraging Ministers to scrap the plan. Following my meeting with him on Monday, I am grateful to the Home Secretary for placing a pause on the plan, pending review.
"As Farnborough residents were not consulted by the Home Office, I am giving local people a say via a survey, the results of which I will be sharing with Ministers soon. It is very important that local people have their say and their voices heard."
Have your say on Leo's short survey on his website here: www.leodocherty.org.uk/survey-asylum-accommodation...