The Fir Grove Hotel in Grappenhall has been labelled a 'totally unsuitable' location to house asylum seekers by Andy Carter. The decision by Home Office officials to earmark the abruptly closed hotel for asylum accommodation has met with widespread opposition from both the Warrington South MP and the Borough Council, neither of whom were consulted about the proposal beforehand.
During an Urgent Question in the House of Commons, Andy Carter called for the decision to be scrapped and asked Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick to meet with him to discuss the situation further.
The MP said: "On Thursday I was notified by the Home Office that the Fir Grove Hotel in Grappenhall would become an asylum centre the following day. There was no discussion with the Borough Council, no notification to local residents, it's in the middle of a residential area less than 200 yards from a primary school.
"I'm sure [Robert Jenrick] would agree with me it's simply not acceptable for the Home Office to steamroll ahead on a decision like this without the necessary consultation with local residents. I'd be grateful if [he] would meet with me to discuss this situation and look at how we can review and reverse this decision."
Responding, the Minister told the Warrington South MP he would be happy to meet with him and added: "I can also inform the House that I have agreed with my officials at the Home Office that all Members of Parliament should be informed of new facilities being opened in their constituencies ahead of time, that all Local Authorities should be informed and a proper engagement undertaken with them so that we can better understand the specific issues and provide support that might be needed."
Andy Carter is continuing to work closely with Warrington Borough Council to oppose the plans for the Fir Grove Hotel and ensure that the Government takes heed of the concerns of local residents.
