The council said it wanted to reassure worried residents
Gedling Borough Council has been forced to dispel false rumours that refugees had been moved into Adbolton House on Westdale Lane, Carlton(Image: Google)
A Nottinghamshire council has issued a statement to clear up what it has described as refugee “misinformation”, after residents raised concerns over who was moving into a block of flats.
Gedling Borough Council has been forced to dispel false rumours that refugees had been moved into Adbolton House in Westdale Lane, Carlton.
The council explained the people moving into the private accomodation were British nationals from Mauritius, with the temporary placement organised by Hillingdon Council with PMSE London Ltd.
A spokesperson said: “Over recent days, we’ve become aware of growing concerns among Gedling residents regarding the people now living at Adbolton House, Westdale Lane.
“We’d like to provide clarity, confirm the facts, and reassure you to avoid the spread of misinformation.
“These are families from Mauritius, arriving via London, not refugees. They are British nationals with passports and valid tenancy agreements.
“The temporary placement was arranged by Hillingdon Council and a private housing provider (PMSE London Ltd). All have been given support to register locally and access public services.”
It’s not the first time the council has had to rebuff misleading claims that immigrants would be housed in homes in the borough.
In August, the council, Gedling MP Michael Payne, and the developer of the former Ernehale Lodge Nursing Home in Arnold denied that it would be used to house asylum seekers or refugees in the future.
The definition of an asylum seeker is a person who has left their country, often suddenly, because they are faced with persecution, war or violence and cannot get protection there.
Once an asylum seeker has been officially granted asylum, they are then legally recognised as a refugee.
On the incorrect rumours that asylum seekers were going to be housed in the nursing home-turned-flats on Furlong Street, Labour MP Payne previously said: “Misleading or inaccurate claims can have unintended consequences for our community – they risk causing unnecessary fear or division.
“It’s always best to seek out facts.”