A council says it welcomes a government decision not to use a second Wisbech hotel to accommodate more asylum seekers in the area.  

Fenland District Council says the Home Office was considering Elme Hall Hotel on the outskirts of Wisbech as part of its contingency accommodation scheme.  

The Rose and Crown, in the Market Place, is already housing asylum seekers and on November 3, the council said it was informed the 45-room Elme Hall was also being considered.  

In a statement released today (December 5), Fenland District Council said it argued Elme Hall and Wisbech ‘in general’ is unsuitable for the purpose being proposed.  

Cllr Samantha Hoy, Fenland District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are pleased to report that we have now been informed that the Home Office has been unable to secure this hotel for the purpose of accommodating asylum seekers.  

“The Council has made its position clear to the Home Office that placing asylum seekers in a rural town such as Wisbech, with very limited hotel accommodation and transport links, and issues with migrant exploitation and human trafficking, would be irresponsible.” 

She added: “Councillors and officers have been working hard every day since we were made aware of the situation to try and get the best results for local people and all involved, so we are pleased that the Home Office has decided not to proceed with these plans.” 

The Home Office said it doesn't comment on operational matters. 

However, a spokesperson, added: “The number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum system under incredible strain.

“The use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable – there are currently more than 37,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer £5.6 million a day.  

“The use of hotels is a temporary solution, and we are working hard with local authorities to find appropriate accommodation.” 

Last month, proposals to convert Elme Hall's motel block into housing were approved unanimously by West Norfolk Council. 

A previous application had been turned down earlier this year on the grounds it would damage the area’s tourism offering.  

However, the developer submitting the application argued tourism had declined in the area, and it was no longer viable to run the accommodation as a motel offering.  

Meanwhile, last month Fenland District Council lost its High Court battle to prevent the Grade-II listed Rose and Crown being used to house asylum seekers.  

In a statement released afterwards, it was said to be “disappointed” the interim injunction against the hotel’s operators and Home Office contractor Serco was dismissed.