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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.
The decision to relocate asylum seekers from Wethersfield marks another challenge for the Home Office’s efforts to reduce reliance on hotel accommodations for asylum seekers. Recent reports from the National Audit Office have suggested that large-scale accommodation sites are more costly than utilizing hotels for temporary housing.
This development follows similar safety concerns at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, where accommodation numbers were reduced due to contamination and unexploded ordnance risks.
The Home Secretary has been urged to conduct thorough ground investigations to assess contamination levels at Wethersfield. Despite initial plans for the site to open this month, delays have pushed the opening to June.
Graham Butland, leader of the Braintree district council, expressed concerns about the lack of communication from the Home Office regarding technical documents and plans related to the site’s safety.
Maddie Harris, director of Humans for Rights Network, criticized the Home Office for jeopardizing the health and welfare of individuals at RAF Wethersfield. She emphasized the importance of providing safe and secure accommodation for asylum seekers.
In response, the Home Office reiterated its commitment to transitioning asylum seekers from hotel accommodations to former military sites deemed safe for habitation.
The relocation of asylum seekers underscores the ongoing challenges in providing adequate housing and support for individuals seeking refuge, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments of accommodation sites to ensure the safety and well-being of asylum seekers.
