A DISTRICT council is mounting a legal challenge against the government's decision to house around 1,500 asylum seekers at a former RAF base beside a small village.
Plans were unveiled by the government in early April to house male migrants at the former RAF base in Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire, which closed in 2020.
Since the announcement, villagers, Hambleton councillors and Thirsk MP Kevin Hollinrake have all expressed concern about the lack of consultation over the scheme and the suitability of a rural site housing over 1,000 men.
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Two packed-out public meetings held in the village's hall in the recent days heard residents raise fears for their safety over the 'intimidating' number of men who would be housed at the centre.
They were told that the migrants would be able to come and go as they wished for months while their cases were being considered, apart from some who would be kept in a detention centre.
Mr Hollinrake, who attended the meeting along with officials including North Yorkshire Police's assistant chief constable and the crime commissioner, told residents he had already consulted lawyers about mounting a legal challenge to the plans.
And today (Wednesday, April 27) Hambleton District Council confirmed it is launching legal action against the government in a bid to halt the scheme.
Council chief executive Dr Justin Ives said his team has been working tirelessly since the plans were revealed to fully understand the proposals and their potential ramifications for both the community and the council.
He said: "We have also been carefully listening to what local communities have been saying about the potential impact on Linton-on-Ouse, surrounding communities and our district in general.
“We now understand from subsequent conversations this week, that the government has every intention of pressing ahead with the plans.
"In response to this, Hambleton District Council has instructed lawyers to start work on mounting a legal challenge of the Government’s decision.
“As the local authority, we are extremely disappointed by the lack of consultation and involvement on this so far and have made this clear to Government during our discussions.
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“I want to be very clear that the council is fully committed to working with and supporting the local community of Linton-on-Ouse, as well as other surrounding communities going forward.
“I know there are great concerns about this proposal and the lack of consultation, but we as a council are determined to take whatever course of action is required to secure the best possible outcome for our district.”
If the asylum centre goes ahead, it would house men aged between 18 and 40 while their applications to stay in the UK are processed.
They are expected to come mainly from Iran, Iraq and Eritrea and could begin to arrive within six weeks.
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