Town’s asylum hotel the site of latest proposed assembly.
Milton Keynes protesters could be among those planning a gathering outside an hotel used to house asylum seekers in Deanshanger.
A social media post, issued today by The Great British National Protest group, says the MK Hotel, on Buckingham Road, has been ‘confirmed’ for a ‘peaceful protest’.
It says the plans for the protest, at midday on Saturday 30th August, come following reports of men taking photographs of schoolchildren from nearby Deanshanger Primary, and being generally disruptive.
In a Facebook post, local representative Conor Sadler calls for supporters to join him and stresses that the protest is ‘100% peaceful’ and is about ‘concerned citizens letting our voices be heard’.
And town officials are hoping for the gathering to be trouble free and respectful.
“While protesting is a legitimate right, I'm wary that these events, despite good intentions, could be hijacked by extreme elements,” said Ian McCord, Independent councillor for Deanshanger Ward.
“Attending is a personal decision. If you do attend, please remain peaceful and respectful towards the village, its residents, and the asylum seekers. I've received numerous emails from residents feeling unsafe due to groups of men. Adding another unsettling group is unhelpful.”
Earlier this year MKFM reported how a letter had been sent to worried parents in the area reassuring them that the reports of the men had been taken seriously, while a visible police presence had been set up.
Some parents said they had removed their children from the school for a period of time. Read more here.
Earlier this week, Epping Forest District Council was granted a temporary High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers using a hotel for their accommodation in the Essex town.
The Government has pledged to halt the use of hotels for asylum seekers.
