Chichester community ‘need to welcome asylum seekers’

Housing asylum seekers in Earnley while their applications for housing are processed is ‘good news for Chichester’, residents have said.
By Steve Pickthall [email protected]
Published 1st Dec 2015, 15:48 BST

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A candle-lit vigil was held on Chichester's Cathedral green in September in support of Syria's refugeesA candle-lit vigil was held on Chichester's Cathedral green in September in support of Syria's refugees
A candle-lit vigil was held on Chichester's Cathedral green in September in support of Syria's refugees

It comes after people living in the village voice their fears over proposals for 200 males to temporarily be accommodated at Earnley Concourse.

Sarah Nunn helped organise a candle-lit vigil for Syria’s stricken refugees in Chichester in September.

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Bracklesham resident Mrs Nunn said: “We need to welcome asylum seekers into our community because they are people in desperate need.

The Home Office is considering using Earnley Concourse to temporarily house up to 200 asylum seekersThe Home Office is considering using Earnley Concourse to temporarily house up to 200 asylum seekers
The Home Office is considering using Earnley Concourse to temporarily house up to 200 asylum seekers

“We have all seen the photos. Who would put themselves, let alone their families into such danger if they were not fleeing for their lives?

“We, in Sussex, have so much in comparison, the least we can do is be welcoming.

“Is that not what we would want for our family if we were in their shoes?”

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As revealed by the Observer, the change of use planning application for Earnley Concourse has been submitted to use it as a short-term hostel for up to 200 male asylum seekers, aged between 18 and late 30s, for up to 19 days.

The Home Office is behind the project and is said to want to rent the site for six months initially.

The news has divided opinion locally.

Commenting on the Observer Facebook page, Scarlett Lee Silvester said: “I look forward to their arrival.

“It’s nice to have a cultural diversity. Perhaps when they do arrive they could provide better transportation links if the residents are so worried.”

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Prime Minister David Cameron has said the UK will accommodate 20,000 refugees over the next five years and Chichester District Council leader Tony Dignum said the district will ‘cooperate fully’ with the Government’s plans.

Speaking about the crisis recently, cllr Dignum said: “We have already been approached by members of the public offering to provide a room or two in their homes for asylum seekers.

“We welcome these offers and they will all be followed up when we are advised of those refugees wishing to come to the district.

“Those offering rooms need to be aware of the challenges they may face and that they may need safeguarding checks.

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“The refugees may have suffered severe trauma and may require intensive emotional and medical support.

“Council officers will do all they can to help settle the refugees happily in their hosts’ homes.”

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Related topics:SyriaDavid Cameron