The council is proposing to house 50 children aged 16 and 17, at the empty site, but residents fear it will pose potential risks to the vulnerable population.
People on the Isle of Sheppey have expressed their anger over plans to house unaccompanied asylum seeking children in a care home in Minster-on-Sea.
"The proposed site for the immigration centre is next to the Little Oyster - a care home for vulnerable adults right in the heart of our community. "We urge you to reconsider this decision and find an alternative location that respects both the needs of asylum seekers and existing communities."Campaigner Malcolm McLeod said: "We've got other problems on the island. We've got a facility down the road at Sheerness called Blackburn Lodge, which has been closed that was a social care housing facility.
"We are concerned about the decision also because Ocean Heights is situated in a holiday area on Sheppey, and is right next to the Little Oyster Care Home that specialises in caring for people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and mental health conditions. Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council , said: ”I understand why the local community on the Isle of Sheppey have concerns about the use of Ocean Heights as a new Reception Centre for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children and we are actively engaging with them directly about this.
“At the same time, we are challenging the Government through our own legal proceedings, to get the National Transfer Scheme working to ensure that all Local Authorities in the UK take on their responsibility for the care of UAS Children.
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