Hambleton District Council is going to try and take legal action against a proposed asylum centre after Kevin Hollinrake MP said the Home Office intends to press ahead with the plan.
Local opposition to the idea is fierce with many villagers concerned about their security and safety as well as the impact on the area.
Government plans to house 1,500 people at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, have been criticised over a lack of consultation too.
Men, aged between 18 and 40, will be housed at the base while their applications to stay in the UK are processed.
Dr Justin Ives, Hambleton District Council’s Chief Executive said:
“As I’m sure you can imagine, my team has been working tirelessly, since the Government announced their plans for a centre for asylum seekers at Linton-on-Ouse, to fully understand the proposals and potential ramifications from both a local authority and the local community’s perspective.
“We have also been carefully listening to what local communities have been saying about the potential impact on Linton-on-Ouse, surrounding communities and our district in general.
“We now understand from subsequent conversations this week, that the Government has every intention of pressing ahead with the plans. In response to this, Hambleton District Council has instructed lawyers to start work on mounting a legal challenge of the Government’s decision.
“As the local authority, we are extremely disappointed by the lack of consultation and involvement on this so far and have made this clear to the Government during our discussions.
“I want to be very clear that the council is fully committed to working with and supporting the local community of Linton-on-Ouse, as well as other surrounding communities going forward.
“I know there are great concerns about this proposal and the lack of consultation, but we as a council are determined to take whatever course of action is required to secure the best possible outcome for our district.”
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