Housing 500 migrants on a barge off a Dorset holiday hotspot will put a heavy ‘load’ on local health services and the tourist industry, locals have warned amid a backlash at the plan.
The Government confirmed plans to hire a floating holding unit and moor it in Portland Harbour last night.
The harbour is close to Weymouth, a popular seaside holiday destination, and the Jurassic Coast, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is a stopping point for cruise ships visiting the UK.
Minister Rick Holden this morning suggested the first guests could board the Bibby Stockholm within weeks, as the Government seeks to cut the multi-million-pound migrant hotel bill.
Reports today suggested plans are in motion to hire a second barge able to hold four times as many people, likely to be moored in a major port town or city.
Peter Roper, the Mayor of Portland, today warned housing asylum seekers on a barge in the harbour will ‘put a load’ on the isle and on south Dorset.
