ASYLUM seekers and prisoners could be housed on an aircraft carrier off the coast off Margate. But council leader Sandy Ezekiel has stressed: “We do not want a floating Alcatraz anywhere near our resort.”

He was speaking after legal advisors acting for jailed tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten contacted Thanet council about the scheme for 1,000 refugees to live on HMS Vengeance, a second world war ship moored at the Brazilian port of Rio de Janeiro, where it is up for sale.

Reports at the weekend suggested that a company said to be backed by van Hoogstraten would charge the government £75 a week for each of the asylum seekers, and that it also wants to staff the boat with low-risk prisoners on work placements.

Cllr Ezekiel said: “As a council we are obliged to look at any serious applications placed before us but I do not regard this as a serious option.

“There is no way that I would support a boat being permanently moored off one of our resorts for such a purpose. Margate is a well-known seaside town and the council is working hard to promote our great natural assets of a wonderful beach and seaside amenities.

"We have big plans for Margate with the establishment of the Turner art centre, the redevelopment of Dreamland fun park, and the creation of family-friendly seaside environment.

“Who would want to sit on our beach and stare at a large old boat full of people who would effectively be being held prisoner on board.

“I am writing to the Government seeking clarification about this issue and where we stand.”

The BBC report that Van Hoogstraten, who is serving 10 years in Belmarsh Prison for manslaughter, would be restricted to acting as a consultant for the proposed project until his release.