A picturesque coast village has claimed victory over “scandalous” council proposals to repurpose luxury retirement homes with breathtaking sea views for the care of migrant children.
Kent County Council initially planned to use the Ocean Heights care home in the charming village of Minster on Sea on the Isle of Sheppey to house 50 unaccompanied asylum seekers aged between 16 and 17, reports Email online.
Following the announcement in March of £4 million plans to convert the care home into migrant housing, residents staged a peaceful demonstration on the streets in protest.
Tensions escalated further when another nearby care home closed, forcing elderly residents to move to other areas in Kent.
Amid local outrage, care home owners pulled out of the scheme, much to the delight of community members who expressed relief that the plans had been scrapped.
However, there are fears that similar proposals could emerge again, given the authority's warning about the overwhelming situation with unaccompanied migrant children. This warning even raised fears that the reception of local young people might have to be stopped.
Steven Hogben, 75, said: “It's time for a party. It's great news. I was completely surprised when I heard that they thought it would be a good idea to lock up asylum seeker children there. I've never known anything so stupid.
“This is a village largely made up of elderly people and people nearing retirement. There is nothing to do for young people. It would have caused big problems. There was no point. I'm very happy they reversed that decision.
“I understand that the provincial government is in a very difficult situation, but where would the duty of care for both the children and the local population have been if that had continued? They wouldn't have had a social life.”
However, Mr Hogben said he was concerned about what the authority “might try next”. He said: “If they think a care home is a good idea, what will they think next?
“It could be anywhere. We have to be on our guard.”
Retired social worker Pauline Hutchings, 74, said the priority should be the British people. She said: “We have to be the priority. British people have lived and worked here all our lives.
“We are sinking as a country because of the number of asylum seekers. I know people who cannot get their children to school because of a shortage of places.
“Our local services are being stretched to their limits as a result of immigration. That should be a place where the elderly can live before they die.”
Roger Gough, leader of Kent County Council, said: “It is disappointing to confirm that Ocean Heights on the Isle of Sheppey has been withdrawn from sale.
“The building was one of seven additional facilities we identified to complement the two existing reception centers for unaccompanied asylum seekers (UAS). These buildings, funded by central government, will increase our capacity to house and care for all UAS children arriving in Kent, as required by the High Court.
“We have been transparent about the arrangements for all centers as temporary homes for children under 18, as set out on our website – Reception Centers – Kent County Council
“Given our legal responsibilities and the directions of the Supreme Court, we are in the process of establishing additional shelters and will seek other suitable locations to accommodate the increasing numbers of unaccompanied minors arriving on our shores.
“We will also continue to put pressure on the government through all channels, including the judiciary, to ensure that the National Transfer Scheme works and that all local authorities take responsibility for the care of UAS children – putting an end to the unbearable burden this national issue places on Kent.”