Controversial plans to turn a former student hall of residence in Stafford into asylum seeker accommodation have been scrapped. Stafford Court at Beaconside was set to be turned into temporary housing for up to 481 asylum seekers until July 31 2029 after Serco won its battle against Stafford Borough Council. The appeal cost the borough council more than £50,000.
And the proposals sparked strong objections from many residents, who voiced their fears during a three-day public inquiry held in May last year. Objectors said they were not against refugees, but were concerned about its location near three schools and a residential area. Community leaders also questioned the suitability of the proposed accommodation for people who may be suffering from mental illness after escaping war or other traumatic situations.
READ: Police make 43 arrests after Hanley riots A 33-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, is the latest suspect to be detained after anarchy rained down on the city centre READ: Two more arrests after rioters petrol bomb Staffordshire hotel Staffordshire Police have taken two men in for questioning In recent weeks there have been protests and disorder at sites elsewhere in the country where asylum seekers are being housed, including in Tamworth. But this week it was announced that the plans to house asylum seekers at Stafford Court had been dropped. In a statement posted on social media, Stafford MP Leigh Ingham said: "During the General Election campaign it was clear that.