Approximately 146 asylum seekers, primarily single men, will be moved into the Dragonfly Hotel in Peterborough’s Thorpe Meadows over the next three days as part of the UK Government's short-term efforts to accommodate rising numbers of arrivals, reports Peterborough Today.
Peterborough City Council was informed on November 14 that the Home Office had designated the lakeside hotel, a notable local landmark, to temporarily house the group. In an email shared with councilors, Rob Hill, the council’s director of housing and communities, confirmed the decision, noting, “We were notified by the Government on Thursday that it has decided to accommodate a number of asylum seekers at The Dragonfly Hotel in Thorpe Meadows.”
Hill outlined that the council is coordinating closely with the Home Office, Serco (the agency responsible for placements), and local health and police authorities. “We aim to minimize community tensions, ensure service availability, and address the immediate safeguarding needs of the new arrivals,” he added. The placement, though intended to be temporary, currently lacks a defined end date.
The Home Office has assured the council that essential services, including food, financial support, and medical care, will be provided by Serco. However, Hill voiced concerns, stating, “Peterborough has a proud history of welcoming those in need, but typically this is done in a planned and coordinated manner. Our resources are already stretched, as we’re currently housing more asylum seekers than our designated quota.”
He further questioned the choice of the Dragonfly Hotel, situated in a residential area with limited amenities, as an appropriate location.
Former Peterborough MP Paul Bristow echoed these concerns, criticizing the decision. “Once again, Peterborough is bearing the burden of what is a national issue,” he said. “The Dragonfly Hotel, an iconic local venue, is not suited for this purpose. Our city already hosts more asylum seekers than any other in the East of England.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
