Archive - Thursday, 21 February 2002


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Fury at asylum refuge proposal

VALE residents, furious at controversial proposals to turn Sully Hospital into a refuge for asylum seekers crowded into Sully's Jubilee Hall last Friday night.

In a storm of protest, they registered a catalogue of objections over plans to move the detainees into the hospital to a panel of local representatives. These included Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith, Welsh Assembly Minister Jane Hutt, Sully Community Council chairman Ian Barlow, Cllr Anthony Ernest and NHS Trust representative Stephen Harris.

Mr Smith told the packed audience: "I understand the strength of feeling. But it is important to remember there are eight potential sites around Britain. Of those eight, four have to be picked. I spoke to Home Secretary David Blunkett. He assured me if Sully is not suitable, it will not be chosen.

He added: "We cannot argue against the asylum seekers on an emotional level, but on a factual one. Sully is not a suitable site."

Mr Smith also pointed out that £7.7 million would need to be spent on the Grade II listed building, which at its peak could only accommodate 400 patients. A water treatment system is also needed. Currently, sewerage from the hospital drains straight into the Bristol Channel, which was one reason for its closure.

Cllr Ernest said: "I looked into the daily schedule should the asylum seekers settle in Sully. They have supervised activities from morning to evening, with a role call at dinner time.

"But from 7pm to midnight, they will have free range of the area." In turn, they spoke about their views on the proposals to move 750 men, women and children into the small community, before opening the floor for comments.

Sergeant Mark Hobrough from Barry police station said in his opinion the force would not be able to police the increased population from either the Barry or the Penarth stations.

The fire in the Bedfordshire asylum centre was top of most comments, as was the number of people planned to settle in Sully.

The debate continues.