RUMOURS that asylum seekers are on their way to Sully Hospital have been quashed by local MP John Smith.

Residents are concerned over rumours which suggests the disused hospital has been renovated and refugees are being shipped in overnight.

But Mr Smith says he has heard nothing of the sort.

The hospital, a listed building, is on a shortlist of eight sites being looked at by the Home Office to house asylum seekers by 2003. As yet, no decision has been made.

But one fearful Cogan resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I've heard asylum seekers are going in Sully Hospital for definite. Apparently, they've been decorating the place and builders have been working at night.

"Asylum seekers will be transferred down the motorway at night," she claimed.

The woman added: "I've heard the same story from two different people who don't even know each other."

But Mr Smith said: "This seems like very worried people picking up on gossip which goes round on occasions like this.

"There was recently a rumour that the Home Office had been on the site measuring up. But I was told they've done nothing of the sort."

Mr Smith met recently with Home Secretary David Blunkett who said if the hospital was not suitable for 750 asylum seekers they would not go there. Mr Smith also asked Home Office Minister Lord Rooker about it. Lord Rooker said there was no question of it being forced through if the hospital was unsuitable.

Mr Smith said: "Full planning procedure will have to be entered into for change of use. I'm pretty certain it's not going to happen.

"If it does go through, the decision will rest with the National Assembly. Both First Minister Rhodri Morgan and others have come out strongly opposed to the idea on the grounds that Sully Hospital is totally unsuitable."