THREE huge hotels near one of Britain’s favourite beaches are being used as accommodation for asylum seekers during the peak summer season.
Holidaymakers in Bournemouth say they are fed-up at forking out thousands of pounds while illegal migrants are put up for free 200 metres from the seafront.
The Chine Hotel, used by asylum seekers, is in Bournemouth, a hotspot for Brit holidaymakers
The Roundhouse hotel is near the town centre and is being used to accommodate migrants
The Home Office have taken over the 123-room Britannia Hotel
We caught an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near to one hotelNC
The hotels — all within walking distance of Bournemouth’s seafront — have been closed to the paying public for more than a year.
Home Office officials have taken over the 79-room Chine Hotel, the 102-room Roundhouse Hotel and 123-room Britannia Hotel.
Around one million visitors book hotel stays in Bournemouth every year and there are fears the arrival of any more migrants in the Dorset town could severely damage its £1.3billion tourism industry.
And this week there was anger among paying holidaymakers.
Retired great-grandmother Susan Beacham, 70, of Cheltenham, Gloucs, forked out £1,400 for a week’s stay with her daughter at the Hampton by Hilton near the town centre.
‘Scared to walk around’
She told The Sun: “I don’t think they should be in hotels like that if they’ve come here illegally.
“That they’re on the seaside makes me cross. It makes me scared to walk around at night when we’ve paid so much to come somewhere nice.
“If they’re trying to escape a warzone, then I understand why genuine asylum seekers would come here.
“But the hotels for people who aren’t here legally are a waste of money, especially if they cross from France, because it’s a safe country.
“The billions on this are taking away money from the NHS — which I need because I haven’t been well.”
Stewart Brown, 34, and Philip Finch, 75, from Cambridge, said putting an asylum hotel by the seaside could scare off young families.
PE teacher Stewart said: “It doesn’t sit nicely with me. We’ve spent about £1,200 to come here. Before I came down, my dad made me aware of the asylum hotels.
“I think if you were staying around there you might feel uneasy about it, especially if you have young children.
“I suppose if you start seeing reviews saying that the crime rate around this area is increasing, I think it would be blocking people coming into the area on holiday.”
Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour’s massive failures
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp
Retired grandfather Peter Morris, 76, on holiday from Peterborough, said: “I don’t agree with people coming over but they have to go somewhere. It’s not good. They’re expensive hotels.
“The amount we’re spending is a big number. You’d think those in power would always go for the cheapest option.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: “Bournemouth’s tourist trade is being put at risk by the Government.
“There are now more illegal immigrants in hotels than when Labour came to office and this year so far has been the worst ever for Channel crossings.
“Labour promised to smash the gangs and end hotel use.
“Both promises lie in tatters and Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour’s massive failures.”
Bikes thought to be for illegal work outside The Chine hotel
Migrants gathered outside The Roundhouse hotel
Earlier this year local Labour MP Tom Hayes blasted the situation, telling Parliament: “Bournemouth hotels cost the taxpayer eye-watering sums and everyone is stuck in a situation that nobody wants.”
The Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association told The Sun that the Government’s choice to use hotels in the town for asylum seeker accommodation was “disappointing”.
But hotelier Rosie Radwell, who is chair of the BAHA, claimed: “Bournemouth and the South Coast remain a wonderful destination for visitors, and holidaymakers should rest assured of high standards and a warm welcome.”
There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on
Apartment owner
Yesterday The Sun caught an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near to one hotel — despite Labour promising a crackdown on illegal working.
The Chine boasts a sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool but it is understood the amenities were closed when migrants arrived.
It now has a security guard at the entrance and parking spaces coned off for bikes suspected to be used by illegal workers.
A nearby apartment owner said: “There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on.”
Some of the bikes racked up outside The Britannia hotel
The public cannot stay at asylum-seeker hotel The Chine in Bournemouth
Volunteer group Safeguard Force plans to start patrols next week to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour. Dorset Police said it was not endorsed by the force and must operate within the law.
A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council spokesman said: “The council carefully monitors the use of asylum hotels and the impact on our services, community safety and the local economy.”
The region’s Destination Management Board said: “Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have over 450 hotels and guesthouses.
Only three are currently under government contract to accommodate asylum seekers.
“The wider conurbation remains fully open for tourism, events and business, with strong bed availability, vibrant hospitality and a thriving local economy.”
The Government said: “From over 400 asylum hotels under the previous government, there are now fewer than 210, and we want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.”
‘DINGHY SALES MR BIG’ NICKED
AN alleged international trafficking kingpin charged with selling rubber dinghies to migrant gangs was nicked on his way to a boat show.
Adem Savas faces up to 15 years accused of shipping thousands of inflatables and life-jackets from China to Turkey.
The Turk, 44, was nicked when he flew into Amsterdam for a boat show after a long probe by British, Belgian and Dutch cops.
His case was adjourned by a Belgian court yesterday.
A trafficking ‘kingpin’ has been accused of shipping thousands of inflatables and life-jackets from China to TurkeyChris Eades Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
