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The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, has been ordered to stop accepting new asylum seekers temporarily due to concerns over safety. Epping Forest District Council sought a temporary injunction to prevent asylum seekers from being housed at the hotel, citing escalating tensions and protests in the area. Essex Police reported that demonstrations outside the hotel attracted up to 2,000 people at one point, with sixteen individuals facing charges related to the disturbances.
The council’s application for the injunction came after a resident of the hotel, Hadush Kebatu, was arrested and charged with various offenses including sexual assault. Despite denying the allegations, Kebatu remains in custody. The High Court heard submissions from the council and the hotel’s owners, with the council’s representative highlighting increased community tension and anxiety caused by the presence of asylum seekers at the hotel.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the hotel did not seek permission from the local planning authority before accommodating asylum seekers. The council argued that the hotel no longer functioned as a typical lodging establishment since residents did not choose to stay there like regular guests. Concerns were raised about the impact on local residents and businesses, with fears that the area was reaching a “breaking point” due to heightened tension and disruptions.
Despite arguments from the hotel’s lawyers about the potential hardship for asylum seekers and setting a dangerous precedent with the injunction, Mr. Justice Eyre delayed his decision and scheduled a ruling for a later date. The legal battle underscores the complex issues surrounding the housing of asylum seekers and the challenges faced by local authorities in addressing community concerns while upholding legal obligations. The final decision on the fate of asylum seekers at The Bell Hotel is pending
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