Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Plans to accommodate around 300 asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks in Inverness have sparked a backlash over concerns about community cohesion. The proposal involves using the military base, along with an East Sussex army training camp, to house a total of about 900 men by the end of the month. The Scottish government and three senior Highland councillors have raised issues about the plans with the Home Office, expressing worries about the potential impact on the local community given the scale of the proposals.
In a joint statement, the councillors emphasized the need for closer consideration of the impact on community cohesion, especially in a relatively small community like Inverness. Scotland’s social justice secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, has urged the Home Office to work closely with Highland Council to address the concerns. A UK government minister defended the move, stating that it would expedite the closure of asylum hotels.
Highland Council officials expressed surprise at the lack of communication regarding the plans for Cameron Barracks. The council has sought more information from the Home Office about the transitional accommodation, which is expected to be used in phases starting from early December for up to 12 months. Despite assurances from the UK government about self-contained accommodation and on-site services, questions remain about how Inverness was selected and how community cohesion will be maintained with the influx of asylum seekers.
Residents of Inverness have shared mixed reactions to the news, with some expressing support for utilizing vacant military sites but others voicing concern about the lack of detail in the proposals. As the local community grapples with the upcoming changes, the debate over asylum accommodation continues with a strong emphasis on ensuring the well-being of both asylum seekers and local residents
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.