Locals in a Welsh seaside town have been left furious at a decision to refurbish residential flats for use by asylum seekers. The decision in Llandudno, which will see individuals housed under the UK Government’s Resettlement scheme, was blasted by councillors and residents after the council confirmed the plans.
Two local Reform UK councillors have raised concerns about funding and “fairness”, arguing that properties should be “prioritised” for local people. Cllr Louise Emery, leader of Reform in Conwy, stated: “This is about fairness. I want to see Llandudno families prioritised and given first preference for refurbished empty properties within the town centre. The resettlement scheme creates temporary residents by its very nature as they await a decision on their asylum application, whereas I would like to see Llandudno families permanently settle into decent accommodation in town.”
A statement from the Conwy Reform Group said: “When there are hundreds of families on a waiting list for homes in the Llandudno area, priority has to be for those residents.
“Bringing properties back into use, particularly flats above retail units, is vital to tackle the housing waiting list.”
The asylum seeker accommodation will be managed by Home Office contractor Clear Springs Ready Homes, which plans to renovate the flats on behalf of the landlord.
Supported by Home Office grants, Conwy’s resettlement teams will subsequently provide assistance to the asylum seekers, according to North Wales Live.
Reform councillor Tom Montgomery took aim at the Welsh Government, saying: “For years we have seen little progress locally in turning empty spaces above shops into homes for local people.
“Whilst the Welsh Government has finally provided some funding for town centre housing, it is too little too late for (some) individuals, including children who have literally grown up in temporary accommodation.”
He went on: “Now the Home Office’s contractor is proving that these spaces can be turned into residential units.
“We need to see local housing bodies show the same dedication to providing local housing as the Home Office resettlement contractor is.”
Some locals were equally angered by the decision, with one fuming: “Thought there was a waiting list for housing??
Another added: “It’s disgraceful with the amount of homeless and veterans on our own streets.
“They should have the right to be housed.”
Whilst a third commented: Hang on – I was told the wait for council housing was years?”
A Conwy County Council spokeswoman said: “Clear Springs Ready Homes assign their own housing officer. Resettlement teams in local authorities offer support and signposting.
“Resettlement teams are funded by grants from Home Office and Welsh Government.
“All the work of these teams supporting sanctuary seekers is covered by the grant, including translation.”
