Outraged locals hit out after child migrants planned to be sent to plush retirement home

Outraged locals hit out at council after 50 child migrants sent to plush retirement home in Kent (Image: Getty)

A quaint coastal town has claimed victory against “outrageous” council proposals to repurpose luxury retirement homes boasting breathtaking sea views for accommodating migrant children.

Kent County Council initially intended to utilise Ocean Heights care home in the charming Minster on Sea village on the Isle of Sheppey to accommodate 50 unaccompanied asylum seekers aged between 16 and 17, reports Mail Online. 

Upon the announcement of the £4million plans to convert the care home into migrant housing in March, residents organised a peaceful demonstration on the streets in protest.

Tensions escalated further when another nearby care facility closed down, resulting in elderly residents being compelled to relocate to other areas in Kent.

Amidst local outrage, the care home owners withdrew from the arrangement, much to the delight of the community members who expressed their relief that the plans were scrapped.

However, there are apprehensions that similar proposals might resurface, given the authority's warning about its overwhelming situation with unaccompanied migrant children. This warning even raised concerns that it might have to cease taking local youngsters into care.

Steven Hogben, 75, said: “It's time for a party. It's great news. I was utterly astonished to hear they thought it would be a good idea to put asylum seeker children in there. I have never known anything so stupid.

“This is a village made up of largely elderly and those close to retiring. There's nothing for young people to do. It would have caused big problems. It made no sense. I am very glad they have reversed that decision. 

“I understand the county council is in a very difficult place, but where would the duty of care to both the children and locals have been if that had gone ahead? They would not have had a social life."

However, Mr Hogben said he was worried about what the authority might “try next”. He said: “If they think a care home is a good idea, what will they think next?

“It could be anywhere. We should be on our guard.”

Retired social worker Pauline Hutchings, 74, said the priority should be British people. She said: “We need to be the priority. British people have lived here and worked here all our lives.

“We are sinking as a country because of the amount of asylum seekers. I know people who cannot get their children in schools because of shortage of spaces.

“Our local amenities are stretched to the limit as a result of immigration. That needs to be a place for elderly people to live before they die.”

Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council, said: 'It is disappointing to have to confirm that Ocean Heights on the Isle of Sheppey has been withdrawn from sale.

“The building was one of seven additional facilities we identified to supplement the two existing reception centres for unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children. These buildings, funded by central government, will increase our capacity to accommodate and care for all UAS children arriving in Kent, as required by the High Court.

“We have been transparent about the arrangements for all centres as temporary homes for children, aged under 18, as set out on our website - Reception Centres - Kent County Council

“Given our legal responsibilities, and the High Court’s direction, we are establishing the additional reception centres and will identify other suitable locations to accommodate the increasing numbers of unaccompanied minors arriving on our shores.

“We will also continue pressing government through all routes, including judicial, to ensure the National Transfer Scheme works and all local authorities take their responsibility for the care of UAS children - ending the intolerable burden this national issue places upon Kent.”