Residents of Wethersfield, Essex Express Concerns as Population Set to Increase Due to Asylum Seekers Housed at Former RAF Airfield

A peaceful village in Essex, Wethersfield, is facing growing concerns as the local asylum seeker center becomes overcrowded, leaving residents feeling increasingly unsafe in their own homes.

Villagers Feel Unsafe as Number of Asylum Seekers Increases

For years, Wethersfield, a picturesque village near Braintree, has been home to just 707 people.

However, the community is now struggling to accommodate the growing number of asylum seekers housed at the nearby MDP Wethersfield site, a former RAF airfield.

With the Home Office planning to increase the number of migrants at the facility to 800, residents are voicing their concerns over the strain on local infrastructure and safety.

Longtime Residents Fear for Their Property Values and Personal Safety

Melody and Alan Temperley, both 77, who have lived next to the site for three decades, express their frustration over the changes.

They say their once-peaceful lives have been disrupted, and property values in the area have plummeted.

Melody recalls a time when the airfield, first used by the US Air Force and later as a Ministry of Defence Police facility, felt secure.

However, now, they worry about walking the country lanes and the presence of large groups of young men nearby.

Local Councillor and Residents Concerned About Increasing Problems

Independent district councillor Mark Ault is also raising alarm, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among locals.

He points out the accumulation of litter along the roads and the increasing presence of asylum seekers in the area.

Though these migrants are not supposed to drink on the premises, many are bussed into nearby towns to spend their weekly allowance, and some wander into local villages, making residents uncomfortable.

Concerns Grow Over Anti-Social Behavior and Safety on Village Streets

With reports of troubling incidents, including young men loitering near children’s playgrounds and even aggressive encounters, residents are becoming more worried about their safety.

Retired decorator William John, who has lived in Wethersfield for over 40 years, shares the concerns of his neighbors.

He emphasizes that although objections to the asylum seekers’ presence are often dismissed as racist, the real issue is the village’s inability to cope with such a large influx of people.

The Strain on Local Infrastructure and Real Estate

The influx of asylum seekers has not only caused safety concerns but also affected the local real estate market.

Houses near the airfield are struggling to sell, with potential buyers avoiding the area due to the presence of the center.

Local resident Tony Clarke-Holland, who attempted to sell his property, didn’t receive a single viewing.

The ongoing challenges have left many residents feeling trapped in their homes.

Disturbing Reports and Worrying Incidents Raise Alarm Among Locals

Rose Witcher, a resident living near the base, describes disturbing sounds and sightings around the center, including unexplained noises from football matches and people wandering the area at all hours.

She and others have also reported suspicious activity, such as packages being thrown over the center’s high security fence, making them uneasy about what’s going on behind the gates.

Government Promises to Close the Facility Fall Flat

Wethersfield residents feel ignored by politicians, including Sir Keir Starmer, who previously promised that the asylum center “needs to close.”

Despite their protests, the government has moved forward with plans to increase the population of asylum seekers at the site, with no clear resolution in sight.

Growing Frustration Among Locals Who Feel Their Concerns Are Unheard

Many longtime residents, like Alan and Melody, are frustrated by the lack of action from both the Home Office and local authorities.

From unresolved drainage issues to the lack of adequate responses to complaints, they feel their concerns about the asylum seeker center have been consistently ignored.

The situation has created a sense of despair among people who have lived in the area for decades.

Local Residents Call for Immediate Action to Address the Issues

With tensions mounting and no immediate relief in sight, local residents are calling on authorities to take their concerns seriously.

From better management of the asylum seeker facility to addressing safety and infrastructure issues, Wethersfield residents are desperate for solutions that would allow them to feel secure in their homes once again.

The Future of Wethersfield: A Village Struggling to Cope with Change

As Wethersfield continues to grapple with the consequences of hosting the UK’s largest asylum seeker facility, many are left wondering what the future holds for this once-quiet village.

With concerns about safety, property values, and the strain on local resources growing, it’s clear that change is needed to restore a sense of peace and security to the area.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn