THIRSK MP Kevin Hollinrake has told the Prime Minister that an asylum centre at Linton-on-Ouse will 'devastate' the local community.

In Prime Minister's questions today (Wednesday, May 18) Mr Hollinrake pleaded with Boris Johnson to scrap plans for up to 1,500 male asylum seekers to be housed at the former RAF base at Linton-on-Ouse.

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Mr Hollinrake pointed out that Thirsk and Malton has welcomed asylum seekers 'from all over the world' but that the plans to house them on a base at the centre of a village of 600 residents will leave the community in fear.

He said: "(It is) a village without street lights, without police presence, it will devastate the community.

"It will devastate house prices which will plummet and the residents of that village will not feel safe to leave their homes alone."

Mr Hollinrake then pleaded with Boris Johnson that he stops the plans on behalf of the Linton-on-Ouse community.

Mr Johnson responded that he knew the Home Secretary was 'engaging' with Mr Hollinrake on the matter, adding: "I understand the strength of feeling in his constituency and I am sure there will be further meetings between him and the Home Office about what we can do." 

Tomorrow evening (Thursday, May 19) villagers are planning a demonstration against the plans ahead of the monthly meeting of Linton Parish Council.

Home Office officials are set to attend the meeting along with a representative of Serco who provide immigration services for the Government.

Members of the Linton-on-Ouse Action Group will also be in attendance.

Following the annoucement about the centre in early April, Hambleton District Council started legal action in a bid to halt the plans.

Concern has been raised over the suitability of the site in housing so many young men with so few amenities nearby.

 

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