THE leader of Trafford Council said he makes ‘no apologies’ for taking a strong stance after more than 100 asylum seekers were moved into a Sale hotel on short notice.


Cllr Matt Collegde told Messenger he has met with Serco – a Government-appointed private company which deals with asylum seekers – and the company has agreed not to bring in anymore asylum seekers to the Amblehurst Hotel, on Washway Road.


Serco further agreed that the Amblehurst will not be used as a permanent asylum facility and will be closed in February.


Cllr Colledge said: “I make no apologies for taking a strong line with regard to not allowing the Amblehurst asylum centre to remain and I am pleased that Serco have listened to Trafford Council.


“They have confirmed that they will not be placing anymore people in the hotel and I have assurances that the facility will be closed in February.


“Putting so many people from so many nationalities in one place wasn’t right for our local community and it certainly wasn’t right for the asylum seekers.


“Myself and Graham Brady are meeting with the minister with responsibility for asylum issues to seek assurances this won’t be allowed to happen again.


• A small protest was held outside the Amblehurst Hotel at around 1pm on December 15.


Police and some councillors were in attendance, the owner of the hotel came out and spoke to approximately 10 protestors, who had dispersed by around 1.30pm.