Try GOLD - Free
Town drops 'sanctuary' status plans after outcry
Western Daily Press
|September 25, 2025
WESTON-SUPER-MARE has abandoned its bid to be recognised as a place of sanctuary.
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.
This story is from the September 25, 2025 edition of Western Daily Press.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Western Daily Press
Western Daily Press
LIFT WITH HERO BOBBY & BEERS AFTER DEBUT
ALAN CURBISHLEY got a lift home with Bobby Moore and was rewarded with a case of lager after his West Ham debut.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
Ticket 'betrayal'
FIFA has been urged to halt World Cup ticket sales after it emerged countries’ most loyal fans faced paying “extortionate” prices for tickets, with the cheapest for the final coming in at over £3,000.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
Historic items 'irreplaceable'
MORE than 600 items stolen from a city museum are irreplaceable, an academic has said.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
Proposals to build on common upset
There’s strong feeling the development would further erode the green belt
4 mins
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
Refuse tip closure's on hold
THE planned closure of the Hempsted tip in Gloucester will happen later than expected in 2026.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
WIN
YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOP WITH Iceland & the food WAREHOUSE
1 min
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
Publicans left 'petrified' by Budget tax rises
UB chiefs have demanded urgent tax relief to help avoid widespread closures and job cuts after holding an emergency meeting.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
Half of UK pupils affected by anxiety
HALF of secondary pupils have avoided school in the past year because of anxiety, a poll has found.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
British Empire artefacts stolen from city museum
A CITY council says it is “deeply saddened” by the theft of more than 600 artefacts from its museum collection.
3 mins
December 12, 2025
Western Daily Press
Body Coach set for wellbeing festival in Bath
FITNESS coach and author Joe Wicks is gearing up to bring a shot of motivation to the city as part of a festival aimed at promoting wellbeing in the new year.
1 min
December 12, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size