ANGRY and frustrated residents packed out a public meeting to voice their concerns about the prospect of asylum seekers being homed in their town.

Loftus town hall was full to capacity as local councillors attempted to give people the most up-to-date information that had available to them following discussions with council bosses and G4S, the company planning on moving asylum seekers to the east Cleveland town.

At the weekend, Tom Blenkinsop MP, who represents Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, wrote to G4S asking for clarity about the situation and called on residents to remain calm.

Residents raised concerns about the safety of their families and the lack of information available about the people who could be potentially housed in their community.

Independent Redcar and Cleveland Borough councillor Mary Lanigan assured residents that everything was being done to ensure that no asylum seekers were brought to the town until further talks had been held with G4S.

Speaking at the meeting, she said: “The view expressed by G4S is that they are prepared to work with us and the local community where any dispersals will take place.

“They feel they need a bit of time to reflect on the situation in Loftus and the issues raised in the community. And haven’t yet made any decisions on particular properties in question.”

The councillor told residents that she did not know how many asylum seekers were supposed to be moving to the town but would let everyone know as soon as a decision was made. She added: “We don’t have the infrastructure at Loftus, nor have we got the police, nor have we got anything for these people. It is not fair for these people as they can’t work and we can’t provide for them.”

Fellow Independent borough councillor Wayne Davies said the town wasn’t able to take any asylum seekers as it was already struggling with its own issues and lack of investment.

Police also confirmed that a letter circulating the town was not racist.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Lynn Pallister, the council's cabinet member for health and housing, said: “The council is part of the North East Migration Partnership and we have followed protocols in line with government guidelines. When an asylum seeker is awaiting a decision on their status, financial support and accommodation is provided by the Home Office, and this contract is operated by G4S, not the council. There are currently a small number of asylum seekers placed within the borough.

“We have previously shown G4S that Loftus is an outlying area in the borough and we don’t feel that Loftus is a suitable location for asylum seekers. A further meeting has been organised this week with G4S, ward councillors and the police to see how we can all work together to ensure that anyone housed in the borough is safe and has proper access to services and transport.”