Dozens of asylum seekers who were controversially transferred to a Folkestone hotel have now left the town.

The Home Office today announced that the 130 people relocated to the Grand Burstin Hotel in the harbour area of the town had been moved on.

Following a logistical foul-up by the department, more than 600 asylum seekers were moved from a hotel in Croydon, South London, to various parts of the country.

Within 24 hours, 30 were moved on from the hotel and the government reassured Shepway District Council and Folkestone and Hythe MP, Damian Collins, that it would only be for a maximum of two weeks.

That deadline was due to run out tomorrow and it has now been met.

All of the 130 were in the country legally after making applications that are currently being processed by the Home Office.

Shepway cabinet member for communities Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee said: “Shepway District Council has supported the local community to minimise the impact of the events of the last two weeks.

"It has been good to see partner agencies working together for the benefit of all parts of the community.”

Leader of Shepway District Council, Cllr David Monk, said: “Shepway District Council has been working closely with partner agencies and Damian Collins MP throughout the fortnight to monitor the situation. We are reassured that the original timescale of the Home Office has been met.”

Mr Collins said days after they had moved he was shocked by the lack of notice given and that the situation could not be allowed to happen again.