Residents in Runcorn Accuse Labour of Breaking Promise to Close Daresbury Park Hotel Used for Housing Asylum Seekers

In the town of Runcorn, Cheshire, frustration is mounting over the continued use of the Daresbury Park hotel to house asylum seekers.

Residents are voicing their anger after the hotel, once a popular venue for weddings and conferences, has been used as an accommodation facility for migrants since 2020.

Despite Labour’s promise to shut it down, the facility remains operational, sparking accusations of broken promises and unmet expectations.

The Broken Promise and the Labour Defeat

Just weeks before Labour’s defeat in a crucial by-election, the party promised to close down the Daresbury Park hotel.

However, following their loss to Reform UK in the by-election by just six votes, local residents are questioning whether Labour’s commitment was genuine or merely a tactic to win votes.

Residents near the hotel are particularly upset, as they claim the presence of asylum seekers has led to increased crime and stretched public services, such as housing and healthcare.

In light of the ongoing controversy, newly elected Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin is demanding assurances that the hotel will indeed be closed.

“The people of Runcorn and Helsby have been let down so often by Labour,” Pochin stated, emphasizing that she would continue to hold the party accountable for their promises.

Impact on Local Services and Community

Locals have expressed deep concerns about the impact the asylum seekers are having on their community.

Peter Robinson, a retired dockworker, voiced his frustration, saying, “There are war veterans who are homeless on the streets. They’re the ones who should be in a hotel.”

Robinson also highlighted the struggles residents face in accessing basic services, such as doctors and dentists, which he believes have been stretched to the limit by the influx of migrants.

Meanwhile, other residents have criticized the financial burden placed on taxpayers.

Jenny Williams, another local, shared her concerns about the cost of housing migrants in hotels while public services are underfunded.

“We’re paying millions to hotel chains, yet councils are getting less money, and services are stretched,” she said.

The Hotel’s Continued Use and Local Reactions

Despite promises of closure, the Daresbury Park hotel remains a hot topic in Runcorn.

On a recent visit to the site, MailOnline observed security guards patrolling the entrance and a large number of bicycles outside, suggesting continued use by the asylum seekers.

Inside the hotel, sealed mattresses were stored, and other signs indicated the facility’s ongoing operation.

Jeana Louise, who switched her vote from Labour to Reform, expressed frustration over the situation, saying, “People are fed up that nothing gets done.

I want to see the hotel open as a hotel, bringing in money to the area and helping tourism.”

A Divided Opinion on Asylum Seekers

While many residents are frustrated by the hotel’s continued use for asylum seekers, others in the community have expressed sympathy for those seeking refuge.

Andy Hayes, who voted Labour in the recent election, shared a more balanced view, stating, “People are angry about them going into hotels, but where else can they be put?”

Chris Bellis, another Runcorn local, added that he had no problem with asylum seekers who are genuinely seeking to contribute to society.

“If migrants want to get a job and contribute to society, then I am okay with that,” he said.

However, he too expressed a desire to see the hotel return to its original use, bringing business and tourism back to the area.

The Bigger Picture: A Tense Political Climate

The ongoing issue of migrant housing has become a point of contention in local politics.

Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury resigned after being caught on camera in a drunken altercation, which further tarnished the party’s image in the area.

Karen Shore, who ran to replace Amesbury, had previously expressed support for closing the hotel, saying Labour was taking steps that the Tories had failed to implement.

The debate over the use of Daresbury Park as an asylum seeker facility highlights the wider issues facing Runcorn, with locals feeling neglected and frustrated by both the Labour Party’s unfulfilled promises and the ongoing housing situation for asylum seekers.

What’s Next for Daresbury Park and the Runcorn Community?

With the continued use of the hotel and rising local anger, the future of Daresbury Park remains uncertain.

As Reform UK’s Sarah Pochin demands action, residents are keeping the pressure on, hoping for a resolution that addresses both the housing needs of the local community and the concerns surrounding asylum seeker accommodations.