RUMOURS that temporary accommodation for asylum seekers could be based in East Kent are unfounded, MP Steve Ladyman hs claimed.

It had been speculated that a private company was proposing to use a Cliftonville hotel to house new asylum seekers until long term accommodation was found for them.

The rumours began because the Border and Immigration Agency sought proposals to replace existing accommodation contracts that expire at the end of March 2008. A private bidder for the new contract claimed he was looking at a bid based on property in Dover but his ‘second choice’ was Thanet.

Dr Ladyman said: “I said at the time that Thanet and Dover were not the right place for this type of accommodation and that something closer to Croydon and Gatwick Airport, where most asylum seekers arrive, would be more suitable.

"Dover MP Gwyn Prosser and myself worked very hard to make sure ministers knew how we felt.

“Now the Government has confirmed that its bidders were asked to provide proposals based around the Croydon Aslyum Screening Unit but the private bidders offered east Kent options as a variant to their main proposal. The Government has, however, made it clear that they are not pursuing either ‘variant’ proposal and are only interested in bids around Croydon."

He added: “It is right that we provide decent support for genuine asylum seekers but it is also right that initial accommodation is close to the Screening Unit in Croydon. I’m pleased with this outcome.”