A FORMER education centre in Llandudno Junction will not be used as a Home Office facility to house asylum seekers.

Concerns were raised last week following the possibility of Marle Hall Centre for Outdoor Learning being used for such purposes.

Robin Millar, Aberconwy MP had sought clarity on the matter from immigration minister, Robert Jenrick.

Janet Finch-Saunders, Aberconwy MS, also sent a formal letter to Mr Jenrick after being notified via email on March 22 that the Home Office had identified Marle Hall as a site to accommodate as many as 111 asylum seekers.

READ MORE:

'Urgent meeting' to discuss asylum seekers at Llandudno Junction centre

Today (March 28), Mr Millar said he has been told it will not be used to rehouse asylum seekers.

He said: “I welcome the news that, following my meetings with the immigration minister, Marle Hall will not be used as a Home Office facility.

“I know this news will come as a relief for many in the community who were unsure how many people were coming, who they were, how long they would be here and why.

“It is also important that this decision had been reached after proper consideration of the wellbeing of those within Home Office facilities.”

A Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) spokesperson added: "The chief executive (Rhun ap Gareth) received an email from the Home Office this morning, in which they confirmed that they will not be using Marle Hall to accommodate asylum seekers at this time."

Marle Hall, which closed to the public in 2021, was built in the 17th century by Sir Hugh Williams, 5th Baronet of the Williams Baronetcy of Penrhyn.

This matter follows the housing of more than 80 asylum seekers at the Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia, in Dolgarrog, last November.

NEWSLETTER: Get the latest stories from the Colwyn Bay, Conwy and Llandudno area sent straight to your inbox by signing up here.

On that occasion, CCBC leader, Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, said that the local authority was given no advance warning of the asylum seekers’ arrival at the hotel.

Mr Millar added: “When I discussed this with North Wales Police chief constable, Amanda Blakeman, and Rhun ap Gareth, chief executive of CCBC, it was clear there were concerns that the hall was the wrong premises in the wrong location and risked bringing an extra burden to stretched local services.

“I’d like to thank them for their swift response - clearly our view has prevailed on the Home Office.

“I'm also very grateful for the support of our local MS, Janet Finch-Saunders, CCBC leader, Charlie McCoubrey, and the Conwy and community councillors of the Glyn y Marl ward, over the last week.

“My thanks also to all those residents who've taken the time to contact me about this matter.

“My attention this week in Westminster now moves to the questions about immigration policy, controls and appropriate support for those who arrive in the UK, that truly need it.”

Cllr Mike Priestley, of the Glyn y Marl ward in which the centre is situated, also welcomed the news.

He said: "This news is of great relief to many residents that contacted me with their concerns.

"I would like to thank our MP, Robin Millar, for taking these views directly to the Home Office.

"As a result, they made the right decision that this site was not suitable for so many reasons."

Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, added: “I welcome the fact that the UK Government has listened to serious concerns raised on behalf of the community by me, Robin Millar MP, CCBC, and many others.

“Having been in contact with several constituents, I know that this news will be warmly welcomed.

“It is also a positive development for our local public services, which are not in a suitable position to take on any more pressure.

“This outcome proves that the Home Office has learnt an important lesson from their handling of the Hilton Garden Inn at Dolgarrog, and moved to a position where they actually listen to and act on local concerns.”