Leaders ask hotel protesters for 'breathing space'

Multiple demonstrations have been held in Epping since July

Political leaders have signed a letter urging organisers of protests outside a hotel housing asylum seekers to "give our community breathing space".

Thousands of people have protested against the use of The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, as asylum seeker accommodation since July.

Epping Forest District Council is trying to obtain an injunction to stop migrants being housed at the site.

The seven signatories said while they supported the democratic right to demonstrate, lives of Epping residents and businesses had been "upended".

Tensions have been high all summer over the housing of 138 single male asylum seekers at The Bell Hotel

Those signing the letter were the group leaders of Epping Forest District Council including Conservative leader Chris Whitbread, police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst, Essex County Council tory leader Kevin Bentley, Liberal Democrat mayor of Epping Janet Whitehouse, and local Tory MP Neil Hudson.

"The residents of Epping have experienced unprecedented levels of anxiety and disruption. People are hurt and dismayed," the letter said.

"We appeal to the organisers of the twice-weekly demonstrations to consider the wider feelings of the people of Epping they seek to represent.

"As we come to the end of the summer, our community needs some respite from the ongoing disruption."

They continued: "Your voices have been heard. Now give our community breathing space."

Chris Whitbread, Conservative leader of Epping Forest District Council, signed the open letter

Last month, the Court of Appeal overturned a temporary injunction granted by the High Court, which means the migrants living at The Bell Hotel can remain there for the time being.

But a full High Court hearing to decide on a permanent injunction is expected in mid-October.

The wave of demonstrations this summer followed the arrest of Ethiopian Hadush Kebatu, who was staying at the Bell.

He was found guilty of several offences including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, and is due to be sentenced on 23 September.