In recent weeks, I have raised concerns on behalf of Leyland residents directly with Government over the proposal agreed by the local Labour Council to use the Leyland Hotel to house vulnerable asylum seekers.
Due to its isolated location and lack of access to local transport links or amenities, I have been working with Home Office officials and Minister of Safe and Legal Migration, Kevin Foster MP, to understand the decision making process and highlight serious concerns for local residents and the asylum seekers who would be housed in the Leyland Hotel.
I believe that this plan, which I was first told of 18 months in my very first meeting with Home Office Minister at the time Chris Philp MP is the wrong approach for our area. The same proposal has now been “welcomed” by the local council, yet none of those concerns from 2020 have been addressed and therefore I believe the plan continues to not be the right one for the people of Leyland, Lancashire or those who may come to stay here.
There is no question that the people of South Ribble are warm, welcoming and friendly to those who need our help and support, but I simply cannot agree with the decision to use the Leyland Hotel because of its isolated position and lack of access to public transport, green spaces or local shops.
I was disappointed to have only been informed of this decision after it had been agreed locally. I have today written directly to the Minister, further to the discussions that have already taken place to ask him to address these issues immediately.
