A surprising decision to house 146 male asylum seekers in a luxury hotel in Peterborough has sparked a fierce debate, with residents expressing growing concerns about the impact on local women and public spaces.
The Dragonfly Hotel, a four-star establishment located at Thorpe Meadows, has been repurposed to accommodate these migrants, leaving many residents uneasy about the sudden changes.
Asylum Seekers and Public Concerns
The decision to move asylum seekers into the Dragonfly Hotel in November 2024, with just 48 hours’ notice, has not sat well with the community.
Previously a popular destination for local activities like rowing and swimming, the picturesque area surrounding the hotel has seen a shift in the dynamics of public use.
The River Nene, where schoolchildren regularly row, and the nearby Nene Park, a popular outdoor space, have become sources of concern for local residents.
Many women now feel uncomfortable using these public spaces, especially as the warmer weather draws more people outdoors.
“I know a lot of young women who are now concerned about doing sports around the River Nene and rowing area because there are a lot of single men sitting around,” said Gay Marriot, a concerned local.
As the weather turns warmer, more asylum seekers have been seen in the area, with some even sitting outside the hotel watching locals engage in activities.
The fear of being observed while engaging in public exercise, especially by men who may come from cultures where women traditionally cover themselves, has made many feel uneasy.
Local Residents Speak Out
Colin Webster, a member of the Thorpe Gate Residents Association, shared his worries about the situation.
“The asylum seekers were already an issue for us, but we didn’t see them around as much in the winter.
Now with the warm weather, my fear is that this could be a disaster waiting to happen,” he said.
Many residents feel that they were not adequately consulted about the decision to house asylum seekers at the hotel, and this has led to frustration, especially since the hotel is so close to a popular public space.
Wealthy homeowners near the hotel, some of whom live in large estates worth up to £1 million, are also dissatisfied with the situation.
The surprise closure of the hotel and the subsequent housing of asylum seekers have stirred up emotions, with some residents arguing that the location is simply inappropriate for such a project.
Despite their protests, local authorities have not responded to their concerns, leaving them feeling ignored.
Mixed Reactions from Asylum Seekers and Locals
Not all responses have been negative. Some asylum seekers, like Ahmed from Kuwait, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather.
“There’s nothing for us to do, but it’s nice that we can see all these local people having fun,” Ahmed shared. Similarly, Kai Palmer, the manager of a nearby café, noted that while there is understandable concern, he hasn’t seen any significant issues.
“Some of the asylum seekers have come into our café.
They’ve been very polite and not caused any problems,” he said.
However, not everyone is as optimistic. Residents like Glen Lofts, a local gardener, feel that the arrival of asylum seekers in such an exclusive area is troubling.
“It’s put off a lot of people, especially women, from going to the park to exercise,” Lofts explained. Janet, a local who enjoys walking her dog, admitted that she no longer feels comfortable walking alone in the area. “I’m just being cautious.
Having so many single men who are unvetted around the area is of concern to us,” she added.
Rising Tensions Over Local Impact
As spring and summer bring more visitors to the area, concerns about the safety and comfort of local women continue to grow.
The Peterborough City Rowing Club, based at the rowing course, is preparing for two major regattas this summer, which will attract participants from across the country.
However, some residents are worried that the influx of asylum seekers near the rowing course could cause tension during these events.
While most of the asylum seekers come from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Kuwait, the overall atmosphere remains tense.
Despite the fact that no incidents have been reported so far, locals fear that this could change as the area becomes busier with warmer weather.
Government and Local Authority Responses
Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of consultation and support from local government officials. Retired RAF officer Kevin Platt voiced his disappointment, saying, “Women in this area are reluctant to go running or walking alone around the lake, and it’s had a negative impact on our lives.
We are not racists, this is not nimbyism, but this is completely the wrong place for them.”
Local MPs and the Peterborough City Council have not responded to their concerns, and a petition against the decision has gone largely ignored.
The Dragonfly Hotel, which boasts 70 en-suite rooms and once charged between £60 and £125 per night, is now a temporary home for asylum seekers, and its owners, the Dulai brothers, have yet to comment on the controversy.
Meanwhile, the Home Office, which oversees the placement of asylum seekers, has not issued a statement.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the ongoing tensions between local residents and the asylum seekers housed in the hotel will lead to any lasting changes in the community.
