Plan to house asylum seekers in new-build North Shropshire homes scrapped

Plans to house asylum seekers in empty new-build village homes have been scrapped.

Mark Pritchard, Conservative MP for The Wrekin, posted an update on the controversial Stoke Heath plans on his social media.

In it he said the Asylum Minister has told him that the plans for the North Shropshire homes have been dropped.

Shropshire Council has also issued a statement confirming the development.

The revelation that the homes were to be used to house asylum seekers had been met with opposition from local residents, who said the site was unsuitable.

Shropshire Council and the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, also called for the government to drop the proposal.

Speaking in a video on social media Mr Pritchard said: “I have just heard from the asylum minister within the last hour, the good news that following my representations, the representations of Stoke Heath residents, Dutton Close residents, and indeed Stoke upon Tern Parish Council, that the scheme, the asylum dispersal scheme into Dutton Close in Stoke Heath has now been scrapped and it will be announced over the next few hours.

“So that is fantastic news for local residents, fantastic news for all those who supported my campaign, an absolute victory - a rare victory I must say in many cases.

“Thank you to all of you that were patient, you put your trust in me to make representations on your behalf in a calm, objective and measured way, making the case on evidence rather than based upon emotion or indeed language that was vey unhelpful for community relations.”

A statement from Shropshire Council said: “The Home Office have confirmed to Shropshire Council and partners, that following a review, it will be withdrawing Dutton Close in Stoke Heath from the Asylum Dispersal Programme.

“The council’s recognises that the Home Office’s plans for Dutton Close have been a matter of significant local interest, and understands the strength of feeling and the significant impact this has had within the community and beyond.”

Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council said: “We welcome this announcement and the Home Office decision on this matter as we have been clear and consistent in our discussions with both the Home Office and Serco that we did not believe Dutton Close was a suitable location for this type of accommodation.

Shropshire Council would like to thank local residents, the parish council, elected members, partners and officers for the constructive way they have raised concerns and worked with us during a difficult and sensitive situation.”

Speaking in his video Mr Pritchard said he would now be seeking to ensure that the homes are available to “local people”.

He continued: “So thank you to all of you, great news. This is now going to completely reduce the anxiety in the local community and I would just ask you to help me in the next phase, and that is I am going to write to Shropshire Council and say this housing, which I understand Serco have been instructed to give back to the owner, that’s what I have been told - I cant confirm it but if that is true I would want to see that housing go to local people for local affordable rented housing, private sector housing, shared equity, whatever, but for local people, affordable housing for local people.”

He added: “So I would like to thank all of you for having supported me in representing your interests, of all the residents of Stoke Heath, this is a fantastic victory and thank you to you, a great day to celebrate.”

The Home Office have been contacted for a comment.