Fears that a Cumbrian town has been targeted as a place to house asylum seekers has resulted in anti-social behaviour and vandalism, it has been claimed.
Millom Town Council has issued a statement condemning the behaviour, asking people to uphold the law and let the situation be dealt with through the correct channels.
Several developers have applied to convert properties into houses of multiple occupancy in the town – and residents believe they will be used for asylum seekers.
The council said that a lack of information and consultation about the plans had resulted in a great deal of frustration and anger in the community.
It said in a statement: “However, Millom Town Council would ask the community for this behaviour to cease whilst we progress this through the correct channels, with the support of MP Trudy Harrison, Cumberland Council and Cumbria police.
“We have identified several of the property companies involved and made representations to them as to why Millom is unsuitable and that the council will not support this unplanned approach and will do all it can to stop these developments until proper planning and consultation with the community has taken place.
“We are pleased to say that one company has already taken our advice and withdrawn their plans for six houses.
“We have also made representations to several other external agencies, to ensure that no further properties receive the required licences to allow them to be used for asylum seekers and your MP Trudy Harrison has also made representations with the Home Office to ensure no asylum seekers are placed in Millom at this time.
“We are aware that due to the many conflicts around the world there is currently a great number of refugees entering the country and the current government policy is to disperse those seeking asylum fairly and equitably around the country.
“The local authority, Cumberland Council, is responsible for making plans to accommodate its allocation of asylum seekers in Cumberland and we are working with Cumberland Council to understand how, and if, Millom is to be included in those dispersal plans and how Cumberland will support the localities to provide the support to local services and wraparound care required for these people.
“We urge local people to uphold the law and let this be dealt with through the correct channels.”
