East Sussex County Council has issued a joint statement with Rother District Council on proposals by the Government to use the site at Northeye in Bexhill to accommodate up to 1,200 single male asylum seekers.
The released statement
Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council understand that residents are anxious to know more about the Home Office’s proposals to use the Northeye site in Bexhill for the accommodation of up to 1200 single male asylum seekers.
We share residents’ concerns about these proposals and have repeatedly sought further information from the Home Office – disappointingly we have no further information at this time.
We will continue to raise residents’ concerns and also ask the Home Office to confirm both the details of their proposals and how and when a decision will be made.
Meanwhile, we are liaising with two other local authorities whose sites are further advanced and were announced at the same time as the Northeye announcement, namely West Lindsey District Council (Scampton) and Braintree District Council (Wethersfield).
The projects in both those sites are more advanced, not least because they are already owned by the Government. We are following with interest the outcome of legal action taken by both Councils so that if and when the Home Office makes a decision about Northeye we are fully informed and ready to act appropriately.
Update form Huw Merriman (MP for Bexhill and Battle) Monday, 22 May, 2023
I have continued to hold meetings with residents and community leads to discuss the challenges of the proposed immigration centre. I will look to book a date and venue for my public meeting when, and if, the centre moves from proposal to firm plans.
I am currently awaiting detailed answers from Home Office officials on questions which I have asked, or have been asked of me. My current focus is on private discussions I am holding with the Immigration Minister as to high-level options. The result of these discussions will be available when progress can be reported. I remain of the view that working with my colleagues in Government is the most optimal way to deliver a solution to the challenges which constituents have raised with me. I am working hard to ensure that further news will be available in the next week or so
