Both sides of the story in asylum hotel protest

PROTESTERS have again gathered outside a Long Eaton hotel being used to house asylum seekers, where they faced a large group of activists showing support for the immigrants.

- By JOEL MOORE

The two groups, made up of around 80-100 people each, squared up outside the Best Western on Saturday afternoon.

The rival protesters, who were separated by police and a constant stream of traffic down Bostocks Lane, mainly traded chants and insults, with proceedings going off without major incident.

Richard Buckwell, secretary of Stand Up To Racism, which spearheaded the counter-protest, said some of the language and behaviour of the other side was “pretty unpleasant” He said: “I'm glad we're here because if I was in [the hotel] I'd be terrified. I've been told a lot of asylum seekers are afraid to go out as they’re being intimidated. It's nothing to do with concerns about women and young girls.”