ASYLUM seekers are not being housed at the Coniston Hotel in Sittingbourne, according to Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes.

Mrs Hughes was answering a question put to her by the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, Derek Wyatt, in the House of Commons.

He was responding to persistent rumours in the town that asylum seekers are living in the hotel and he asked Mrs Hughes to clarify whether or not they are.

In a written statement, Mrs Hughes said: "On December 11, 2002, we entered into a contract with Accommodata to use some of the rooms at the Coniston hotel to house asylum seekers.

"As previously announced, we decided not to use the hotel and are not doing so. The Home Office has invoked the early termination provision of the contract. Until the end of the contract, we will continue to meet our financial obligations."