Fury over hotel plans for asylum seekers

In a letter to Home Secretary David Blunkett, ESRA chairman Gerald Summerfield told how people were shocked to first hear about the plans through the media.

He said: 'It was with utter surprise and some trepidation that we became aware that the Grand Ocean Hotel was being considered as a likely venue to accommodate a number of asylum seekers, albeit only whilst they are in transit.

'Initially, we were shocked to learn of this scheme through the media and that no prior consultation had taken place with any local organisation to seek the views of the local people.'

ESRA called for public consultation before any scheme was given the go-ahead. People were worried about groups of asylum seekers loitering around with nothing to do.

Mr Summerfield said: 'Our main objection to this hotel being used is that the local infrastructure cannot cope with semi-permanent, out of work, individuals with nowhere to go and nothing to do for many hours on end.'

Dubbing the situation a 'crisis' he called on Mr Blunkett to organise a public meeting to hear people's concerns.

East Saltdean is within the Telscombe Town Council boundary. Cllr Alan Byng, who is a Telscombe Town Council member and leader of Peacehaven Town Council, said neither council had made an official stand on the issue. All arguments would have to be heard before each made its views known.

He added: 'I have heard no strong opinions for or against from Peacehaven or Telscombe councillors.'

Currently, Government plans to use the Grand Ocean Hotel and others around the country for asylum seekers are in limbo following a storm of protest.