I HAVE to express my utter disbelief at some of the comments made by our MP Geraldine Smith in the local newspapers this week, regarding the proposal to accommodate 140 asylum seekers at the Grosvenor Hotel in Morecambe.

The headlines read Asylum Plan Just A Rumour, MP pours scorn on refugee proposals and MP Ends Asylum Hotel Scheme. It is apparent that in official statements made to the press that Geraldine insists that there is no truth to the story and that it is no more than a rumour.

While I applaud Geraldine's stance on the Grosvenor being inappropriate for the housing of asylum seekers, I am at a total loss as to why she states that this is only a rumour. To prove my point I will present you with some of the facts.

On April 11, I and other members of the council's administration were made aware of an approach from the Home Office, quote; "to seek the views of the North West Consortium on contracting with the Leena Corporation to provide accommodation for asylum seekers in the Sandylands area of Morecambe". It continues "The Home Office is clear that whilst obtaining our views the decision as to whether or not the contract should go ahead, will rest with the Home Office." Finally it makes a point of "the urgency with which the Home Office is intending to progress contract negotiations with the Leena Corporation."

Furthermore I have covering letters from the National Asylum Support Service which make the point that the Leena Corporation specialise in converting hotels into accommodation for asylum seekers. Now ask yourself this question, why does Geraldine deny any involvement by the Home Office or the Asylum Support Service and insist that it's just a rumour? As the ward councillor for Heysham Central which includes the Grosvenor Hotel and much of Sandylands I take exception to what amounts to an accusation of spreading rumours. What concerns me most, is that people have the right to know the truth about what is being proposed in their neighbourhood and people should also know what I and others intend to do about it.

I am pleased to announce that following the council's firm objections to this proposal, the North West Regional Consortia appear to have cooled off on the proposal. This will probably have removed the Grosvenor as part of the regional voluntary placements scheme which has the approval of the Home Office. What concerns me now is that there is nothing the Home Office can do if the Leena Corporation wish to proceed under the Asylum Seekers Private Letting Agents arrangements. This we have already witnessed with several properties in the West End of Morecambe.

Needless to say, planning permission would be required, and I will certainly have something to say about that!

Cllr Geoff Knight

(Heysham Central) MBI