Children among asylum seekers 'told to leave' Northampton hotel

Around 170 asylum seekers have been accommodated at the Westone Manor Hotel

The BBC has been told that dozens of asylum seekers who had been living at a hotel since 2022 have been told to leave.

A church group said some of those staying at the Westone Manor Hotel in Northampton were children who had been attending local schools.

One local councillor said the situation was "no way to treat other human beings".

The Home Office said support would be offered to any relocated asylum seeker.

It's not known where the asylum seekers from Westone Manor have been sent, but the BBC understands that destinations include Leicester and Blackpool.

Carla Merrey, from the Welcome Churches Northampton group, which set up weekly hubs at the St Peter's Church Rooms in Weston Favell for the asylum seekers, said: "Children were coming home from school to see people putting their belongings into taxis.

"Those children did not have time to say goodbye to their friends. Others will be leaving tomorrow.

"To say we were all shocked, heartbroken and saddened is an understatement."

The Welcome Churches group has provided a drop-in centre at the St Peter's Weston Favell Church

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton earlier this year, Seyda from Iran said: "We were told at the hotel that there's a hall and people are going to be there and they can help you with anything you need.

"They were very nice to us, they tried to do anything they could to make life easier for us. People are very lovely here."

Welcome Churches Northampton collected school uniforms and stationery for children staying at Westone Manor

Danielle Stone, Labour councillor for Castle ward, said: "I know many of the households that are being displaced.

"I know how hard they have worked to learn English, to support the children at school, to support local organisations by volunteering.

"They will be missed by many. This is absolutely no way to treat other human beings."

'Resettlement support'

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The Home Office continues to provide safe accommodation for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute, as we work to end the use of hotels which are costing UK taxpayers £8.2m a day.

"Accommodation is allocated on a no-choice basis and individuals may be moved to other locations in line with the Allocation of Accommodation guidance.

"We take all necessary considerations into account before any move. Support is also provided to help resettlement in a new area, including regular welfare checks."

The Home Office also said that "service users are give a minimum of five days' notice of moving."