Plans to house asylum seeker in seaside town opposed by council

Plans to house asylum seekers in properties in a seaside town is being opposed by the council.

Conwy County Council said it was consulted by the Home Office to accommodate 12 asylum seekers in two houses of multiple occupation (HMO) in Llandudno.

Councillors said they had been informed of the plans but prohibited from speaking on the matter due to the sensitive nature of the proposals.

A spokeswoman for the council said it was "committed to providing support to people seeking sanctuary who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence or humanitarian crises".

A Home Office spokeswoman said it was "working to fairly house asylum seekers across the country".

The council said its role was to assess the suitability of proposed residential accommodation and provide evidence-based advice focusing on local circumstances, the impact on the community and the well-being of residents and asylum seekers.

It said the assessment had been carried out in consultation with partners and relevant elected officials to help inform the Home Office's decision.

A spokeswoman for Conwy council continued: "Responsibility for providing accommodation for asylum seekers rests with the Home Office.

"Based on this assessment, the council has advised the Home Office that it does not support this proposal."

She added the council "could not comment on or disclose details of accommodation procured by the Home Office".

The Home Office said it would "close every asylum hotel by the end of this Parliament".

A spokeswoman added: "We are moving asylum seekers into alternative accommodation to reduce impact on local communities.

"As part of this work, we will engage with local authorities and police forces to minimise the impact on surrounding areas."