Epping Forest District Council has unanimously voted to urge the Government to immediately close a hotel housing asylum seekers following weeks of protests in Essex. The Bell Hotel in Epping has been the site of multiple demonstrations since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the hotel again on Thursday evening as councillors met to discuss the controversial accommodation. Police have made 18 arrests and charged seven people in connection with the ongoing demonstrations that have disrupted the town.
Council demands permanent closure
The council passed a motion calling on the Government "to immediately and permanently close" the hotel "for the purposes of asylum processing". Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst has also reportedly urged Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to review the use of the facility.
The father of the girl allegedly assaulted by Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, said through Councillor Shane Yerrell: "It's not fair that the Government are putting our children and grandchildren at risk, even their own." He added that he did not condone violence at protests but wanted the hotel moved away from making "any other family feel how we are feeling right now".
Violence mars demonstrations
Kebatu denied sexual assault charges at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. Last Thursday's protest began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as "scattered incidents of violence" targeting police and property.
Eight officers were injured and several police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown during the disorder. The force said a small number of people used the demonstration as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage.
Political tensions rise
Councillor Jon Whitehouse criticised those exploiting community concerns for "warped ends", saying people wanted their "Thursdays and Sundays back". He condemned the violence and intimidation that required heavy police presence in the town.
The protests have drawn national attention and sparked political controversy. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, which the Essex Police chief has denied.
Police prepare for more unrest
In a letter to Cooper, Hirst described the hotel as unsuitable for housing migrants and "clearly creating community tension". He requested a meeting to discuss the ongoing use of hotels in Essex to accommodate newly arrived asylum seekers.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow thanked those who protested peacefully on Thursday evening but warned that police would not tolerate criminal behaviour. The developments come as police brace for further protests and the Government vows to act swiftly if unrest spreads.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
