SITTINGBOURNE MP Derek Wyatt has sent a hard-hitting letter to his own Government expressing his anger over its handling of moves to turn a hotel into a reception centre for asylum seekers and refugees.

Backbencher Mr Wyatt wrote to Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for Refugees and Asylum, after learning about Home Office intentions to accommodate more than 100 refugees and asylum seekers at The Coniston Hotel, London Road, Sittingbourne. And he invited the Minister to attend a public meeting in Sittingbourne to explain the Home Office decision.

In his letter, Mr Wyatt asked whether the government really believed11 working days was long enough to prepare the community for the influx of 111 asylum seekers and refugees.

He also questioned why the move was going ahead when all agencies, when consulted, said it would not be appropriate in Sittingbourne, and why local councillors had not been informed.

Mr Wyatt said the department had done “the most despicable thing it could do” by signing contracts with a third party without telling the current owners of the Coniston. It is believed the owners were not aware of the nature of the business of the intended buyers.

According to Mr Wyatt, the idea was first put to Swale Borough Council in September last year. The Home Office was told at that time that Sittingbourne was not a suitable place for such a centre. Mr Wyatt has described the implications for the community as “immense.”

A planning application for change of use of the hotel for use as a reception centre for asylum seekers and refugees is not necessary.

Residents living near to the Coniston have received a leaflet about the moves, while ward councillor Ghlin Whelan has approached the current owner of the Coniston to see if he could withdraw from the contract.

Swale Borough Council is organising a public meeting for Friday January 24 at the Wyvern Hall in Sittingbourne.