An MP has chaired a meeting in Bexhill to discuss plans for the Government’s Asylum Seeker Accommodation site proposal at Northeye, Bexhill, and the community challenges it has raised.
Huw Merriman met with Home Office senior officials and leaders of local authorities and public services yesterday (April 12) to seek more detail about the proposed Asylum Centre and to connect those who run local public services directly with Home Office officials responsible for the project.
It was also an opportunity to raise the questions and concerns which have been brought to the MP, and local councillors, by Bexhill residents.
During the meeting, participants gained more information about the site, those who will potentially be accommodated and how the Home Office will work to ensure resources are available and concerns met.
The attendees at the meeting were the Home Office, Sussex Police, NHS Sussex, East Sussex Fire and Rescue, East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council. The Police and Crime Commissioner and the Leaders of both County and District Council were in attendance as well as Councillors representing the local area. The agenda was as follows:
- Update on proposals from Home Office
- Planning process and public consultation
- Health provision and expected public impact
- Policing and security in and outside the centre
- Fire and Rescue impacts
- Adult social care impacts
- Impact on homes immediately adjacent to the centre
- Questions
- Next steps, mechanism for further engagement and correspondence
Following the meeting Huw said:
“This was a productive and helpful meeting to discuss what this proposal means for Bexhill residents and our local public services. I will publish information from the meeting once those who attended have had the opportunity to review it over the next 48 hours.
"I remain committed to ensuring that information about this project is made available to the public at the earliest opportunity.
"I remain committed to holding a public meeting once there is more detail to share.”
"Over these past two weeks I have also been holding meetings with local community groups and leaders, I will continue to do so to ensure that the wider community is also fully involved.”
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