Crime falls in North Ferriby despite asylum hotel fears

Crime has fallen in an East Yorkshire village since almost 100 asylum seekers were moved there a year ago, police have said.

Some residents feared crime would rise when the men were housed in a hotel in North Ferriby.

But Humberside Police said there was actually a "slight decrease in crime, specifically in North Ferriby" over the past year.

The Humber View Hotel began receiving asylum seekers in November 2022.

The Reverend Andrew Brailsford, vicar of North Ferriby, said: "Most people say the men keep themselves to themselves but also some have become part of the community, they've made friends, been able to do things and play their part."

He said the initial fear was "understandable", adding: "But thankfully those sorts of fears really have been alleviated."

It had been "heart-breaking" to hear the men's stories, he said, and many of them are "humble and appreciative" that they turned up at North Ferriby to some kind of welcome and refuge.

But he remains concerned that the hotel is in an isolated location away from support and agencies.

In 2022, East Riding of Yorkshire Council lost a High Court battle to prevent the Humber View Hotel's use for asylum seekers.

In June David Davis, Conservative MP for Haltemprice and Howden, criticised the Home Office for planning to nearly double the number of asylum seekers there, saying it would put "greater pressure" on the community.

Meanwhile, Margaret Corless, Liberal Democrat leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said councillors had been given little information about the planned increase, adding it showed "a complete disregard to residents".

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