Dyfed Powys Police say they attended “several incidents” on Sunday (9 July) at Stradey Park Hotel where protestors demonstrating against plans to house asylum seekers were reportedly causing “a disturbance”.
The protest came after Carmarthenshire Council lost its High Court bid to prevent the change of use of Stradey Park Hotel to house asylum seekers. The council is reportedly examining the judgement to see if there are grounds to appeal.
A spokesperson for the Police said: “Officers initially attended the site at around 8.40am at the request of security staff and remained at the scene to facilitate peaceful protest as the group increased in size.
“Two people were arrested on suspicion of obstructing police following an incident whereby protestors prevented the recovery of a vehicle blocking the entrance to the property. They have been released on police bail.
“Officers remain at the scene to facilitate peaceful protest, where they are engaging with all parties and offering reassurance to the community.”
Local Senedd member, Lee Waters responded to the news on social media, saying: “This is what happens when you allow an information vacuum, when you don’t work with local authorities, when you allow a backlog of cases to grow, when you allow profiteers to fill their boots.
“This is the wrong site and the wrong plan. The responsibility lies solely with the UK Government.
“I will not be joining the protest outside the hotel, the protest should be outside the Home Office in London
“I’ve spoken to lots of people who are genuinely fearful, mostly based on fears spread by haters that men will be roaming the streets praying on women and children.
“We need a debate centred on facts. Most people apply for asylum in the UK come from countries at war or live under repression and are found to have legitimate grounds to be granted refugee status.
“If people seeking sanctuary come to Llanelli we should show compassion and thank God we were not born into their circumstances.”
Swansea Bay News have approached hotel owners Sterling Woodrow for comment.
(Lead image: Furnace Action Committee / Rob Lloyd)
