Town drops 'sanctuary' status plans after outcry

WESTON-SUPER-MARE has abandoned its bid to be recognised as a place of sanctuary.

- JOHN WIMPERIS

The town council voted in March to begin the process of making the sea side town a “council of sanctuary,” joining a network to help community groups supporting refugees and asylum seekers with their work.

But councillors have now voted to rescind that motion after major backlash spearheaded by the local branch of Reform UK.

The party claimed the move could “prioritise additional immigration into Weston-super-Mare”.

The “council of sanctuary” motion would not affect immigration or the siting of asylum seekers as this is not a parish level policy, but a protest against the plans was held at the meeting in March. After a town council-run survey, a council task and finish group later recommended that the council scrap the plan at its next meeting on September 22.