The relocation of asylum seekers from a former RAF base in Essex has been initiated following the discovery of radiological contamination and unexploded ordnance on the site. The Home Office, responsible for overseeing immigration matters, transferred 70 individuals from the Wethersfield airfield site to hotels after several safety concerns were raised.
Initially planned to accommodate asylum seekers for three years, the site faced setbacks after a special development order (SDO) identified risks associated with contamination from gases, radiological substances, and unexploded ordnance. Additionally, issues with suitable storage for fuel and other hazardous materials, as well as arrangements for drinking water, were highlighted.