…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Boulders mysteriously placed at entrance of asylum seekers’ hotel
Local group denies responsibility and expresses concerns
The placement of boulders at the entrance of the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli, intended to house asylum seekers, has raised questions and sparked controversy.
The Furnace Action Committee, a local group opposing the asylum plans, clarified that while they hoped the boulders would draw attention to their opposition, they were not involved in placing them.
Carmarthenshire Council also distanced itself from the incident, stating that it had no involvement in the placement of the boulders.
The rocks were discovered by hotel staff on June 6.
Concerns over suitability and impact
The Furnace Action Committee voiced concerns regarding the suitability of the hotel to house traumatised asylum seekers and expressed worries about the potential strain on local services.
The committee emphasized that their opposition to the plan was not driven by racism but rather based on their belief that the Stradey Park Hotel is not the appropriate location for accommodating asylum seekers.
Unison, a union, also joined in opposing the plans.
Opposition to the rushed and secretive plan
Mark Evans, the Unison branch secretary for Carmarthenshire County, criticized the rushed and secretive nature of the Home Office’s plan to house 207 asylum seekers in the hotel’s 77 rooms by July 3.
He highlighted the lack of consultation with the local community and various public bodies, including Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda Health board.
Evans argued that this lack of transparency has inevitably led to opposition from the community and the council.
He further noted the strain it would place on already underfunded council and health services in the area.
Confirmed plans and seeking comments
The Home Office previously confirmed that asylum seekers would be housed at the Stradey Park Hotel starting from July 3.
In light of the boulder incident and the growing opposition, the hotel, Carmarthenshire Council, and the Home Office were contacted for comment to provide further clarity on the situation and address concerns raised by local groups and residents.