We are aware of the Home Secretary’s announcement this afternoon, 5 April 2023, confirming that the Home Office wishes to proceed with its plans to house asylum seekers in floating accommodation at Portland Port.
Dorset Council’s position has not changed. We still have serious reservations about the appropriateness of Portland Port in this scenario and we remain opposed to the proposals.
However, the council will continue to support and acknowledge the concerns of our residents and local businesses.
There are a number of questions which the Home Secretary’s announcement does not address, we will continue to press the Home Office for answers and await further information.
does this message, dated 15/06/2023 but referring to today as 05/04/2023, simply mean that the “position” has not changed in those two months. Can any links be provided here to where one could read more information ?
All our statements are on our website. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and search for barge or portland port.
Absolute madness to put 500 extra people on an island with a population of ony 13,500 which is already struggling with infrastructure and resources not to mention the extra policing and NHS pressures that this involves. There was no consultation with local residents, MP, etc…why not?
We agree with you on this Sue. The Port and the Home Office negotiated the deal without consulting Dorset Council or the town councils in Portland and Weymouth. Unfortunately there are no legal grounds on which we can challenge this.
There is on planning as is well known BUT…its also well known that GOV can set aside the need for planning consent for change of use…which Greedy BILL REEVES and Co well know. GOV change rules for a private, clandestine business agreement, but cant order border force to stop collecting illegals to bring here. Another 1000 in past 72hrs.
I have serious concerns for the safety of my 2 grandaughters, 11 & 14 who have to travel off the island by bus to attend school, what additional measures will be in place to ensure the safety of locals, will they be patrolling Portland to ensure the migrants do not congregate and Harris locals?
More importantly it will have an impact on my grandchildren’s move,ents, how can we not curtail their normal daily life, we worry for their safety.
We just do not have the infrastructure here, if London and Liverpool have said NO why should Portland be the scapegoat ?
I feel very let down by our local council our MP who just seem to have rolled over and accepted the outcome without a fight!!!!
The police are looking into additional safety and security measures, this does not fall in the jurisdiction of the council.
If the council has “serious reservation” why are you not outright refusing till you have resolved this reservation and consoled the public. (Actually asking not putting on a meeting in an office no one where it is or knows it is happening)
We have no legal grounds to refuse it because it is a private deal between the port and the Government and it is on private property.
Dorset Council have failed in their duty of care towards the residents of Portland, Weymouth and surrounding areas. They have compromised the safety of every woman and child in the area without even the decency to fight for them.