Saltdean Asylum Seekers

SALTDEAN ASYLUM SEEKERS
HWhatever you views- this was a huge issue in Saltdean in 2003. I have archived it here for your interest.

Evening Argus Tuesday 08 April 2003:

Asylum hotel plan scrapped. A seaside hotel will not be used to house asylum-seekers after the Government backed down on controversial plans. © Evening Argus

The Home Office has ruled out using the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean as an induction centre following months of controversy. Home Office minister Beverley Hughes announced the hotel had been ruled out for good, as had another hotel in Sittingbourne, Kent. Although the induction centre programme would carry on, existing arrangements would be expanded instead.

The decision was warmly welcomed by residents and councillors who campaigned against the proposals. They argued Saltdean did not have the resources to cope with an influx of refugees and also feared a rise in crime.

The Argus revealed in November last year how the Home Office had earmarked the hotel as emergency accommodation for refugees. The Government first denied the plans but then backtracked, blaming a "clerical error" for the previous announcement.

The proposals were put on ice in January following a crisis meeting between Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Police, the health authority and the National Asylum Support Service (Nass). David Panter, city council chief executive, said: "We are pleased to now have this clarity after all the confusion created earlier in the year. "In talks with the asylum service, the council always made it clear we felt the hotel was unlikely to be suitable as an induction centre. "However, we do recognise the problems the Home Office has in finding appropriate accommodation and overseeing a reasonable and measured debate." Kemp Town Labour MP Des Turner said: "I am delighted the Government has listened to local representations on this issue. "There was a lack of infrastructure - for instance there are not enough GP surgeries in Saltdean." Rottingdean Tory councillor Lynda Hyde, whose ward covers the area, said: "Saltdean has never been suitable for large numbers of asylum-seekers. The Home Office has caused unnecessary worry for the people of Saltdean. "Residents and councillors have spent endless hours in fighting the proposal for such large numbers."

Saltdean Residents Action Group was set up specifically to fight the plans. Group member Greg Bishop, of Saltdean Vale, said: "I think everyone will be pleased to hear this announcement. "I just hope after all the U-turns and people going back on their word, this decision will be final." Green Party candidate Geoffrey Bowden said: "We regret some people did not adopt a more civilised and welcoming attitude in the first place. Instead, they opted for a knee-jerk xenophobic approach." Marco Pasquale, chief executive of the Grand Ocean Hotel Group, said in February asylum-seekers would be allowed into the hotel "over my dead body". Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted to MPs in January that lack of consultation over the hotel plans had been "inadequate and wrong". Asylum-seekers typically spend between seven and ten days at the induction centres before being dispersed around Britain. l Another centre in Sussex used to detain asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants has been criticised for "institutional blindness". Tinsley House, based at Gatwick, holds people waiting to be deported from the UK. Government inspectors said the centre provided a "place of safety" with a good standard of care. However, the inspection report, which was published today, criticised staff for failing to give detainees sufficient notice of what was happening to them, or where they were to be sent next. Detainees were also not given a chance to contact family, friends or legal representatives.

Hotel says no to asylum seekers© Evening Argus 27/02/03 by Krista Beighton

Managers of a seafront hotel near Brighton say it will never be used to house asylum seekers. Staff at the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean said they had never been asked by the Home Office to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. They said the hotel did not have suitable facilities to provide such a service and any future government request for it to do so would be refused. Marco Pasquale, chief executive of the Grand Ocean Hotel Group, yesterday said asylum seekers would be allowed into the hotel "over my dead body". He said: "We have never and we will never take asylum seekers. The Home Office has never even approached us on this issue to ask if we would consider it." Mr Pasquale said the hotel was not for sale and no approaches had been made to buy it and change it into a so-called induction centre for newly-arrived asylum seekers. His comments were echoed in a statement from the hotel's general manager David Regan, which read: "I would like to confirm the hotel has never made any application to use the hotel as an asylum seekers' home and has never applied for a licence. "Our employees are very well motivated but feel let down by recent events. We do not have suitable facilities to provide such a service and we would not take any business that would not fit in with our normal business. "We are already 75 per cent full for this season and attracting people to the area benefits the local traders, all of whom are welcome to use our facilities. "I would like to reiterate, we have never had this type of business and do not intend to house such visitors in the future." The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) put out a tender stating it was looking for suitable property last year. Harrow-based property company Leena Homes approached the Home Office, suggesting it could block-book bedrooms at the hotel. Brighton and Hove City Council were then notified of the suggestion by the Home Office but Mr Pasquale said he was never told of the negotiations. He said: "The name Leena Homes only rings a bell with me because I read it in reports in The Argus. They have certainly never approached the hotel." The Home Office denied it was in negotiations with Leena Homes when confronted by The Argus in November last year. In January, we exclusively revealed the hotel was to be used, with the Home Office blaming a "clerical error" for the previous announcement. Yesterday, the Home Office refused to discuss details of any dealings it has had with property companies about the hotel. A spokeswoman said: "We have not signed any contract on this hotel. We would only do so after extensive consultation with the council and members of the public. We are not currently doing this." The council is still in negotiations with NASS and the Home Office about the department's handling of the issue.

Telscombe Town Council

Last Tuesday 18th Feb. Telscombe Town Council

Notice of Motion for Council 18th. February Telscombe Town Council

This Council notes the failure of the Administration on Brighton and Hove City Council to consult with both local Town, District and County Councillors and the people of Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs on the agreement to use the Grand Ocean Hotel as an induction centre for refugees.

It further notes the failure of the Government and the National Association of Asylum Seekers to provide adequate notice and information about the placement of refugees, sufficient to allay the concerns that local people may have.

The council calls upon the City Council to;

1. Ensure that all information available to them will be made available to the public and elected representatives at the first opportunity.

2. Address legitimate concerns about numbers of refugees and length of stay.

Finally that Telscombe Town Council:

1. Deplores the racist behaviour of some local people and members of the BNP and commits itself to work with the police to identify and report those seen to be acting in a racist manner.
2. Commits itself to working with local agencies to ensure that all refugees to this area are welcomed and given all assistance to enable them to begin the process of readjustment and adapting to a new life free from oppression and tyranny such has been the tradition of this country to peoples seeking respite from conflicts since the middle ages.

Downing Street petition

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition against the use of The Grand Ocean Hotel for housing asylum seekers. The petition with over 1600 signatures was handed in at Downing Street with copies to NASS (who are responsible for the decision) and Brighton and Hove Council.

Unfortunately, the plans are still going ahead and it seems that the latest figures for the planned in take is in excess of 250 asylum seekers. We must continue to fight the plans as it is a simple fact Saltdean CAN'T cope!

Greg Bishop - Saltdean Vale

Saltdean for Tolerance and Respect (STAR)
"Let's open our hearts and minds"

Press statement from Star

Saltdean residents say YES to asylum seekers. A meeting took place in Saltdean on Sunday (9 February) to plan a campaign to welcome refugees to the Grand Ocean Hotel.

Campaigners have been inundated by messages of support since they took a stand against the anti-asylum seeker protest at the hotel last month.

The meeting produced the following statement:

"Recent media coverage of events in our town has focussed on the protests against the plan to accommodate asylum seekers at a local hotel. These reports fail to represent the views of the majority of local residents who have not signed petitions or joined demonstrations.

"A meeting last weekend saw a cross section of the Saltdean community discuss how we could promote a positive view of refugees to our neighbours and plan activities to welcome and support asylum seekers when they arrive in Saltdean.

"We welcome support from all those who are appalled by the hysteria surrounding the asylum issue and would like to help those willing to welcome refugees in Saltdean."

Readers can contact Saltdean for Tolerance and Respect at: STAR, PO Box 164, Brighton, BN1 7WB

Asylum Seekers - February 14th 2003 © Evening Argus Asylum protest at No.10 by our news team

Campaigners objecting to the use of a Sussex hotel to house asylum seekers went to Downing Street yesterday. They were armed with two boxes of signatures supporting their protest. Home Office plans to use the Ocean Hotel, in Saltdean, to accommodate refugees have caused controversy since they were announced last year. Councillor Lynda Hyde joined residents handing over the 1,600 strong petition along with a letter to the Prime Minister. Other residents have been supporting a campaign to welcome asylum seekers. A group of 19 gathered at the advice surgery of Brighton Kemptown MP Des Turner last week, asking him to make a stand against the "racist hysteria" surrounding asylum seekers. Raf Salkie, of the Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers, said large seaside hotels were an obvious place to run induction courses for them..

Protesters in asylum clash
by Barbara Davidson

Tempers frayed when hundreds of people took to the streets to protest against plans to house asylum seekers in a Sussex hotel. More than 250 people endured the rain to vent their anger against the proposal.

Meanwhile, campaigners sympathetic to the asylum seekers stood on the opposite side of the street, accusing them of scaremongering. Police moved in when a 45-year-old woman dressed in a camel coat crossed the road to confront protesters, waving her own banner and urging residents to put themselves in the asylum seekers' shoes. As the crowd shouted "go home" and "do-gooder", a scuffle broke out when she grabbed a protest poster and tore it up. She was, in turn, hit over the head with a placard. Officers escorted the woman away for her own safety as she was harangued by a protester dressed as Osama Bin Laden.

Passing motorists honked their horns to show support for those lining the road outside the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean. Banners read "Our village is not Sangatte", "Saltdean can't Cope" and "Homes for our elderly not for phoney asylum seekers. We have taken enough Mr Blair." Most residents heaped blame on the Government for its mishandling of the situation and called for more openness on exactly who would be using the hotel. The Home Office wants to use the Grand Ocean for emergency accommodation despite denying the plan when it was first revealed by The Argus in November last year. At present, the project is on ice following a storm of protest from residents, even though the Government retracted its earlier statement and said it wanted to use the hotel after all.

Among the campaigners was resident Marc Curtis, who said Saltdean did not have the infrastructure to take asylum seekers in, adding: "How do you differentiate between asylum seekers and illegal immigrants?" Phyllis Dunn is one of many elderly residents living opposite the hotel. She said: "We're scared to death. Everybody in these flats is over 80 and some are in their 90s. Some say they'll be afraid to go to the post office and get their pension." The protest was organised through the Saltdean Residents' Association. Committee vice-chairman Liz Kempshall said people were angry at the lack of consultation, adding: "If we knew the truth it would help considerably. "I think this has come at a very bad time in the national press with the ricin and everything and a lot of elderly people are quite terrified." Resident Amanda Meighan said: "People have had enough. We're not against genuine asylum seekers but against those who don't have a right to be here that the Government are letting in." But other residents gathered opposite to voice their own protest at attitudes towards asylum seekers and the "scaremongering" surrounding the issue. Steve Waters, a former local GP, said: "I've lived in Saltdean for 15 years and some of these protesters are my ex-patients.

"I think there needs to be a rational debate, not irrational scaremongering. I feel we need to respect our fellow human beings." Simon Williams, community affairs spokesperson for the Green Party, said: "Many of these asylum seekers are vulnerable women and children and have had traumatic journeys. This is a chance to show a welcoming side to our city. "Local people do need to be reassured but let us take it stage by stage and ensure the Government provides the resources so no one loses out."

Saltdean councillor Liz Lee said: "My children are mixed race and I do not want them growing up with hatred around them. But the Government are so at fault in this. The whole situation has been handled badly." Despite feelings running high on both sides, the rest of the protest passed by peacefully and no arrests were made.

Protest & SRA Meeting January 25th 2003

The protest was attended by around 5-600 residents in the morning and was peaceful apart from a minor fracas over a placard that was blown out of all proportion by the media. The protest lasted over an hour and a half and dispersed peacefully. Lots of media were there (Southern Counties Radio, The Argus etc etc.) There few protesters on both sides although the car beeps and attendance on the 'asylum seekers out' side vastly outweighed the others.

The SRA meeting began at 1.30 and the chair Evelyn George, reported that it was the largest attendance for years (although the last meeting must have come close). She stated that Languard Alarms were offering a 50% discount to anyone booking a security system if their leaflet was signed by a committee member and Mrs George will continue to do this if in the interest of local residents. She went on to welcome the invited guests, Councillors Hyde, Smith, Hunt, Clayton and our local MP Des Turner. Mrs George went onto reiterate that the SRA was apolitical and that foul language was not wanted. Also only one statement per person and all statement to go through the chair. She also stated that it would be nice to see people attend other meetings if they could.

The Resident - Duncan Ward explained that The Resident which has come out this weekend in the leader and is available at the Happy Shopper and the Post Offices was written before the issue of Asylum Seekers blew up again so it was out of date due to circumstances beyond SRA control.

Asylum Seekers - Dr Des Turner apologised to the floor an explained that there had been confusion and that the Home Office had stated that Saltdean was not an appropriate place due to a number of reasons. He had been extremely surprised over the Home Office U-turn. The National Asylum Seeker Support Service (NASS) had had a change of staff but this was still unacceptable. He underlined that there had been NO contract signed by the hotel and wouldn't be until a whole series of issues have been resolved. He was quite optimistic that Saltdean would be turned down as an induction centre but could give no guarantees. Sittingboune ( the other hotel in Kent in a similar position to the Ocean) has apparently already signed a contract Counc. Smith addressed the floor and referred to an unsigned statement put out on Ocean Hotel paper that accused Couns. Hyde, Smith & Clayton of stirring up trouble. He went onto question why the Home Office was involved as many coastal hotel take a small amount of asylum seekers. He also stated that he felt local councillors had not been privy to Brighton and Hove Council proceedings. He vigourously denied the claims as slander.

One resident asked why there had been no consultation with residents. The answer was that there was no formal consultative process. Residents should write and voice their concerns to Beverley Hughes, Minister of State at the Home Office.

Another resident asked if the Home Office was the sole agent for discussion. Dr Turner answered that social services and no direct role and that NASS was an 'arms length' government agency. Although contract's needed signed ministerial approval but we could complain to Des Turner who would campaign on our behalf.

Councillor Hyde confirmed that local councillors had been kept in the dark. She stated that she had been told that although the project was supposed to have been on hold she was told that there was an ongoing impact assessment on Saltdean which seemed to contradict that.

One Resident stated that people were angry because they felt that they were being kept in the dark. He stated that Des Turner only tells us what he wants us to hear and that we should keep the pressure up. Mrs George confirmed that the pressure was certainly being kept up.

One resident queried whether representatives on Telscombe Town Council were doing anything. Coun. Clayton confirmed that letters had certainly been sent from T.T. Council, including letters to Brighton and Hove Council requesting information. Counc. Manning had written to Duncan ward and has expressed his disgust and will be writing letters. Coun. Clayton went onto say that he had had meetings with the manager of the Ocean Hotel and been assured by him that it was not being used for asylum seekers. He stated that ESRA had had a social evening at the Ocean Hotel which had been really well attended but went onto call ,what the manager had said to him 'a pack of lies'.Counc. Lee of Telscombe Cliffs also conformed that she has written to both B & H council and the Ocean Hotel asking to be kept informed.

One resident expressed their disgust that 10 Labour councillors had walked out of the meeting and their disgust at the excuse of a clerical error being made.

One resident queried that links between the Ocean Hotel and Arab Banks Plc based in Jersey. They queried a substantial loss last year and their figures and debts of £21 million. Des Turner stated that he couldn't explain the accounts. Some discussion had been made regarding a Leena(?) homes but his was not confirmed or denied. Lots of companies do offshore business he said. Mrs George stated that there was nothing to stop any resident from finding out info from company house.

Counc. Lee stated that she felt that the lack of information had preyed on peoples fears and questioned whether 20 refugees at the hotel was a problems the hotel had already been taking bed and breakfast tenants for a while.

One resident stated he wished to work with the residents of Saltdean to ensure that their fears would be groundless question as to what Des Turner was doing was answered with trying to voice complaints and work on behalf of residents to prevent a contract and report progress when it came about. A query as to whether the Manager of the Ocean Hotel was invited was answered by Ms George with a no. Another query about legal action by residents in Sittingbourne was clarified by the fact that residents there were dealing with a signed contract. Another local resident emphasised the need to not have bigoted views.

Community centre - There was some discussion regarding the community centre. Mrs George confirmed that we would not be giving up the lease to the existing building until the new building was ready to move into. They have agreed square footage - something like 3200 - adequate for our needs.

There was a reminder of the AGM Monday 28th April (AGM) 7.30pm where there will be nominations for committee members.

Treasurers Report was a total of around £16000 - some of which is reserved for a lift. Counc. Lee had a reminder to send letters off to DEFRA regarding the end of the South Downs Boundary at the Tye and said that these needed to be in by the end of February. You can print out the letters here. There seems to be 8 sites and many of those are unlikely so if they fail Portobello could come back on the agenda. Secretaries report by Duncan ward included the need to support the Taxi Rider which id the only link for some people to Peacehaven from east Saltdean. He stated that at present Brighton and Hove Council did not have the required funding for an A259 roundabout but would update progress later on - apparently B + H Council are getting a large fund that may be used to pay the £50,000 balance needed.

The registrar said that number of members was rising with local issues but we still needed collectors for many roads. The social secretary reported that the Book sale would be held on the 15th February. Helen Hicks from St Martins stated that she would be going for planning permission for the Barn for a Pre-school and afterschool club but they were on the bottom rung of a very long ladder. She would be grateful for any resident who could give her more history of the barn. One resident asked if there would be a candidate from The SRA running for election and Mrs George stated that this was under consideration.

The meeting closed at 3.00 pm. Please email me here regarding additions / amendments.

Asylum Hotel Plan debated ©The Argus 24/01/03 by Adam Trimingham

Neighbours of a seafront hotel which could be used as emergency accommodation for asylum seekers took their fears to city leaders last night. A deputation from Saltdean went to Brighton and Hove City Council to complain about the choice of the Home Office of the Grand Ocean Hotel as an induction centre. Resident Alan Hood urged the council to protest in the strongest possible terms to the Home Office saying Saltdean would be unable to cope with the influx of immigrants. He said: "There has been an enormous response from the community in Saltdean to the Home Office's proposal. People are scared and frightened for the future of their community. "We do not have objections to asylum seekers in principle and sympathise with those seeking to build a new life away from persecution and danger. "Our concerns arise because the small residential area of Saltdean is not able to provide the infrastructure to support the influx of a large number people with the specific needs of asylum seekers." Some Labour councillors walked out in protest during Mr Hood's five-minute speech. Later, during councillors' question time, council leader Ken Bodfish said the National Asylum seekers' Service had not been efficient in dealing with the Saltdean placements. He said the council had no role in the process other than to work out whether the asylum seekers would make great demands on local services. But he said many asylum seekers in the past had contributed greatly to the life of Britain. Asked by local Tory councillor Lynda Hyde whether the Grand Ocean Hotel had been sold, Coun Bodfish said he had no idea.

Grand Ocean Hotel issues statement to the Argus kindly posted to the website 22/01/03

Controversial plans to house asylum seekers in a seafront hotel have been put on hold after a series of blunders by the Government.
The Home Office wants to use the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean as emergency accommodation. It denied the plan when we first revealed it in November last year. Then earlier this month we exclusively revealed the hotel was to be used, with the Home Office blaming a "clerical error" for the previous announcement. Now the plan has been put on ice following a storm of protests from residents in the Brighton suburb, which is popular with elderly, retired couples.

The decision to delay was made yesterday following a crisis meeting between Brighton and Hove City Council, police, the health authority and officials from the National Asylum Support Service (Nass). It came less than 48 hours after Home Secretary David Blunkett accused the immigration and nationality directorate of "incompetence" following a row over similar plans for a hotel in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Council chief executive David Panter said afterwards: "We received a clear commitment from the officials there would be no placements in the hotel until, and unless, a package of issues and concerns has been resolved. "It was a very useful meeting, if at times tense. It was clearly taking place in the light of events at the hotel in Sittingbourne and comments from the Government minister Beverley Hughes."

Immigration minister Ms Hughes has demanded a review of the business operations of Nass, the Home Office agency responsible for induction centres, saying consultation had not been good enough on plans to use 111 places at the Kent hotel as an asylum induction centre. She said: "We have to do much, much better."

Council leader Ken Bodfish, who attended the meeting, said: "We have made it very clear to Nass that we believe discussion and consultation to date has been very inadequate. "However, no one here wishes to do anything which would incite or inflame the ugly face of racism and I echo the statements made by the Home Secretary David Blunkett along these lines. "I am pleased this process has been put on hold so the many outstanding issues and concerns can be fully explored. This will clearly take several weeks, if not longer, and nothing whatsoever will happen until then.

"I hope the residents of Saltdean will recognise the progress we have made." Meanwhile, Rottingdean ward councillor David Smith said protesters might apply for an injunction preventing asylum seekers staying at the Grand Ocean pending a judicial review.

Coun Smith said: "When people are kept in the dark, it is not surprising they start to fear the worst. "We have been promised more consultation now, which hopefully will include residents and not just council officers."

Saltdean Residents' Association planned to hold a demonstration outside the hotel in Longridge Avenue on Saturday but this may now be called off. Anita Officer, of Wicklands Avenue, Saltdean, said: "The initial reaction to the latest announcement was a sigh of relief but we cannot be lulled into a false sense of security. "It is good to hear Mr Blunkett recognises things are not being handled properly but how long will it be before the next government U-turn?" Marco Pasquale, chief executive of the hotel group, has said the hotel would only take in a small number of asylum seekers on a short term basis and accused opponents of scaremongering. He said: "The amount of absolute nonsense that emanates from Saltdean residents is unbelievable.

"The hotel, like many others in the Gatwick area, has for many years provided various authorities with accommodation rooms for assessment programmes for foreign individuals legally residing in the UK. 'This kind of business involves between six and 20 rooms and two meeting rooms for between three and seven days' stay and is subject to availability.

"The more hysteria created, the more our businesses will suffer and our houses devalue."

Residents organise local protest SRA Meeting 25/01/03 1.30pm Evening Argus update 13/01/03 (and spot the website mentions) Hotel defends asylum moves by Karen Hoy

Managers say the Grand Ocean will remain a hotel

Managers at a hotel near Brighton have defended a plan to take in asylum seekers, accusing their critics of whipping up racism and hysteria. A storm of protest broke out after we reported on Saturday that the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean would be used as emergency accommodation for immigration arrivals, despite Government assurances to the contrary. One Saltdean community web site was swamped with furious emails from residents at the weekend. Some councillors also expressed their anger, saying there would be "hell to pay" if the hotel was filled with asylum seekers. However, many residents have been dismayed by the response, especially the managers of the hotel who said the matter had been blown out of proportion. Marco Pasquale, chief executive of the Grand Hotel Group Ltd, said the hotel would not be swamped with large groups of asylum seekers. It would cater for small numbers with professional qualifications who had been found jobs under a deal struck by Home Secretary David Blunkett, who has granted four-year work permits to many asylum seekers." Mr Pasquale said the Grand Ocean would continue to offer hotel accommodation and had already booked out 80 per cent of its rooms for the current year. He said the hotel would not be turned into a residential home for asylum seekers. That would need permission from Brighton and Hove City Council, and the management had no intention of applying. Another member of staff at the hotel said: "We have a huge duty to our customers who have been coming here year after year. There is no way we would jeopardise that. "It is not like it will be illegal immigrants being kept in a hostel. These people will be here legally." The Gatwick and Crawley Holiday Inns are already taking part in a similar scheme, each housing 40 refugees, mainly men who have fled Iraq and Afghanistan. Those at the hotels are free to come and go as they please but are minded by a team of Home Office chaperones.

Many Saltdean residents have reacted angrily to the plan, fearing the hotel would turn the town into a small-scale version of now defunct Sangatte Red Cross refugee camp in France. One of many letters published on the web site www.saltdean.info says: "All Saltdean residents should be very concerned about the Government's decision to allow asylum seekers to use the Ocean Hotel. It has been shown time and time again in different areas the crime rate rockets and the house prices fall." Another letter said: "Very few of the so-called asylum seekers coming into the country at the moment appear to be genuine. Why are there so many unattached young men? At best they are economic migrants and at worst terrorists."

Others, however, say these comments are ill-informed. Another letter on the Saltdean Info site said: "Having lived in Saltdean for the last decade I am shocked at the reaction that our usually community-minded town has had to the asylum seekers staying at the Ocean Hotel."

Resident Marina Baker said: "People are ignorant to what asylum seekers are and they are willing to treat them in the way they were treated in their own countries, which was the reason they left them. "We have Muslims living in Saltdean and black people. Are we going to target them as well? What concerns me is that some people are whipping up feelings which are scaring people and old ladies." Both the hotel management and residents were horrified by racist graffiti daubed on a wall near the hotel during the weekend. It has now been painted over. The Green Party has urged local people and councillors to welcome asylum seekers.

Spokesman Simon Williams said: "It's time for some compassion and a chance to show that the people of Brighton and Hove are hospitable and welcoming to those in need." Rottingdean and Saltdean councillor David Smith said in a letter to colleagues: "I am amazed and disgusted with the Labour Government's U-turn on asylum seekers being accommodated at the Grand Ocean Hotel. "Doesn't this prove that we, the general public, cannot trust them from one month to the next?

"This volte-face will have far-reaching consequences on social services, health services and education in the city, particularly in the small community of Saltdean. "Will the city council be able to cope with this additional burden or will all services suffer as a consequence?"

Asylum Seekers - a report of the SRA meeting of 25th January (please note unofficial)

One resident expressed their disgust that 10 Labour councillors had walked out of the meeting and their disgust at the excuse of a clerical error being made.

Community centre
There was some discussion regarding the community centre. Mrs George confirmed that we would not be giving up the lease to the existing building until the new building was ready to move into. They have agreed square footage - something like 3200 - adequate for our needs.

There was a reminder of the AGM Monday 28th April (AGM) 7.30pm where there will be nominations for committee members.

Treasurers Report was a total of around £16000 - some of which is reserved for a lift.

Counc. Lee had a reminder to send letters off to DEFRA regarding the end of the South Downs Boundary at the Tye and said that these needed to be in by the end of February. You can print out the letters here. There seems to be 8 sites and many of those are unlikely so if they fail Portobello could come back on the agenda.

Secretaries report by Duncan ward included the need to support the Taxi Rider which id the only link for some people to Peacehaven from east Saltdean. He stated that at present Brighton and Hove Council did not have the required funding for an A259 roundabout but would update progress later on - apparently B + H Council are getting a large fund that may be used to pay the £50,000 balance needed.

The registrar said that number of members was rising with local issues but we still needed collectors for many roads.

The social secretary reported that the Book sale would be held on the 15th February.

Helen Hicks from St Martins stated that she would be going for planning permission for the Barn for a Pre-school and afterschool club but they were on the bottom rung of a very long ladder. She would be grateful for any resident who could give her more history of the barn.

One resident asked if there would be a candidate from The SRA running for election and Mrs George stated that this was under consideration.

The meeting closed at 3.00 pm. Please email me here regarding additions / amendments.

News Report from Meridian TV - spot the website mention! Row over asylum seekers hotel in Saltdean By Maidstone Reporter
Jan 16, 2003, 11:30am

A row has broken out in East Sussex after the Government gave permission for asylum seekers to live in a south coast hotel. The Grand Ocean in Saltdean near Brighton could be used as a halfway house for immigrants who already have jobs under a new Home Office scheme. Racist graffiti daubed on its walls has now been painted over, but a community website for Saltdean has been bombarded with emails. Some of the messages are from residents worried their community will be swamped and others are concerned about persecution by locals. "Do you want your children to be at risk, general crime to spiral and the value of your property to tumble?" says one. Another says; "I feel the whole issue has been blown out of proportion and borders on racism." There are also reports that leaflets from the right wing British National Party have been put through people's letterboxes. Brighton and Hove Councillor Keith Taylor told Meridian News: "I think rather than fanning the flames of animosity, we are given an opportunity to show an example of tolerance, of compassion, and of humanity in seeking to cater for the needs of very vulnerable people."The local councillor for Saltdean, David Smith, says Government secrecy over the decision has inflamed people's suspicions. He said: "I think it's terrible anyone should be picked on or victimised and I think it's a terrible situation. But I honestly think that the asylum seeker situation has got out of control and the Government doesn't know what to do with it."While some fear their community may be overrun, others are calling for compassion and understanding.

SRA note regarding the new Saltdean Resident (here)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The SRA January 2003 newsletter was produced and printed prior to the news of 10th January 2003. It was too late to amend the newsletter as it had already gone for distribution. The newsletter is due to be distributed with the Leader from Thursday this week. It is available in the Longridge Avenue Post Office and the Saltdean Library.

The SRA is actively working with the local Councillors on this sensitive issue. We are concerned about the effect on local services but await further confirmation of the proposed use of the local hotel.

Duncan Ward
Secretary
Saltdean Residents' Association

GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATIONS GREETINGS FROM AUSTRALIA FOR SALTDEAN COUPLE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations are sent to Terri & Gerald Pratten of Saltdean from as far away as sunny Perth, Western Australia as they celebrate their milestone Golden Wedding anniversary on Friday 10 January 2003. Tina Eardley (nee Gilyead) contacted us via the Internet and wrote "I will always be grateful to Terri for being a great influence in changing the course of my life over twenty years ago, Terri and I worked together at ?the CEGB in the Computer Dept at Harrogate in North Yorkshire" Apparently, Terri insisted that to travel the world was apart from the challenge of adventure, it also offered a great learning curve in life. After following up on her suggestion to live and work in Germany for a German lady she knew, Tina lived there for 3 years worked in Canada for a few months and in 1984 she emigrated to Western Australia. During these past 20 years Tina has kept in touch with Terri & Gerald, and says "they are an exceptional couple and I treasure them dearly" She would like them to know she is thinking of them on their special day and wishes them health & happiness for many years to come and is forever grateful for Terri's guidance all those years ago.

Stop Press: Ocean Hotel vandalism 12/01/03
by Adam Trimingham

Asylum seekers will be given a halfway house at a Sussex hotel after a shock Government U-turn. In November, the Home Office told Brighton and Hove City Council it would not be using the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean as emergency accommodation for arrivals. But yesterday it was revealed the Home Office changed its mind - to the fury of residents who mounted a vigorous campaign against the application. They say they have been misled by Home Secretary David Blunkett. City council chief executive David Panter said the reversal came as a surprise. It contradicted a letter from the Home Office written only six weeks ago. The hotel had insisted it had made no application to be considered as a temporary hostel despite persistent rumours in the village. Mr Panter last night told councillors: "The new letter states the Home Office has now decided to contract bed spaces at the Grand Ocean Hotel. "I can assure you we briefed you in good faith in November that the Home Office would not proceed with the application made by the hotel proprietors. This letter has taken us all by surprise and we are clearly concerned at this volte-face by the Home Office. "We have contacted the Home Office Induction Centre project manager by phone to verify the position. She will be visiting next week to discuss details. Between now and then, we will be doing all we can to clarify the situation and we will continue to keep you informed at every opportunity." Rottingdean and Saltdean Tory councillor David Smith said: "I am disgusted. It does not make sense." Councillor Lynda Hyde, who helped organise a meeting in the autumn attended by 200 worried residents, said: "I am disgusted. "There are 598 beds at the Grand Ocean Hotel and if they are all taken up by asylum seekers there will be hell to pay in this residential area. "The infrastructure will be unable to cope with the special needs and requirements of asylum seekers." No one from the hotel was available for comment last night.

Hotel home for 40 immigrants by Deborah Tucknott
A group of refugees from the closed Sangatte camp in France have been put up at a hotel in Sussex while they find work. About 40 people from the former Red Cross camp are being housed at the Holiday Inn at Gatwick for a maximum of three months. They are among 1,200 Iraqis and Afghans Home Secretary David Blunkett agreed to take in to the UK on four-year work visas rather than as asylum seekers. The group at Gatwick will be supported by the Government until its members find work, either in Sussex or elsewhere in the country. On Saturday, two buses took the final group of refugees at Sangatte, mostly Iraqi Kurds, from the camp to England under a deal struck between the British and French governments to shut the centre. Sangatte became notorious after asylum seekers used it as a base from which to launch illegal efforts to reach the UK, often via the Channel Tunnel. The Home Office said accommodating the refugees had only been possible as a result of the unique deal struck with the French, which includes tough new UK immigration controls on the French side of the Channel to prevent illegal immigrants getting to the UK. Crawley's Labour MP Laura Moffatt, who was told of the group's arrival at Gatwick by the Home Office on Friday, welcomed them to the county and hoped they would add to the economy of the UK. She said: "They are very welcome in my constituency as long as they behave and understand that this is a great advantage that has been offered. I look forward to them making a living. 'I completely and utterly approve of the closure of Sangatte and the arrangement they came to. To achieve that, the Home Office should be very pleased with itself. It means a lot of people will not illegally enter the UK through that route. ' People from Afghanistan and Iraq have a genuine need to be here. Many of them will start work long before the three-month period." The Iraqi Kurds are mainly men with skills, and include builders and mechanics. Among the Afghans are families who already have relatives in the UK and are not considered asylum seekers by the Home Office, which is working with local authorities to find them permanent accommodation. A spokesman said: "The majority of them have been really positive. They want to come here to work and are really eager to work." T here is now vastly improved security at Calais and Frethun. Freight searching in Calais will soon be 100 per cent and hi-tech detection equipment is being deployed along the north European coast. The refugees' skills are being identified and the Home Office said it was already pursuing offers from potential employers. Labour councillor Douglas Murdoch, leader of Crawley Borough Council, said: "The hotel industry is very underutilized at this time of year. 'The Holiday Inn is quite happy to take them. They are causing no problem. I think it is a very Christmassy act." Sussex police at Gatwick have been told they are staying at the hotel. I inspector Paul Drake said: "We are not expecting any problems. 'We are not putting any special measures in place. We are aware we might see some of them at terminals and walking around the airport." Brighton and Hove was not put forward as a base for short-term asylum seekers, despite unfounded rumours the Ocean Hotel in Saltdean would take them in. But the Adelphi Hotel in Hastings was selected as a temporary home for 60 asylum seekers when the closure of Sangatte was announced.