Southampton Stand Up To Racism have blamed the closure of a bar on “repeated” protests over asylum seekers.

The closure of Ceno Bar has sparked fresh debate in Portswood, with Southampton Stand Up To Racism (SSUTR) saying the decision has come after months of “far-right” activity in the area.

It comes after the bar issued a statement earlier this week blaming its closure, after 20 years, on the use of the nearby Highfield House Hotel to house asylum seekers.

Ceno said in a statement that issues connected with the hotel’s use had led to its closure to protect staff and patrons, adding: “Despite every effort to continue trading, it has become frustratingly impossible to operate due to ongoing issues.

“The hotel owners have ignored our communication, help to assist with ongoing damage caused by the hotel residents and have locked the car park for many months, meaning our customers have been unable to park and access the restaurant.”

In a statement, SSUTR said the loss of the venue was “sad news for Portswood, and for the workers and residents affected,” but said that recent claims blaming asylum seekers were “misplaced and unfair”.

A spokesperson for the campaign group said: “It is important, however, to be clear about the context. Highfield House Hotel has been home to asylum seekers since 2020.

“During those years, local businesses — including Ceno Bar — operated alongside it without incident.”

According to the group, the situation changed last summer with the arrival of a “far-right group calling themselves ‘Southampton Patriots”‘.

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The statement continued: “Over recent months, their repeated demonstrations outside the hotel — often two or three times a week and lasting for hours — have caused serious disruption. Local residents have experienced noise, intimidation and disturbance.

“Police time and resources have been repeatedly diverted to manage alcohol-fuelled protests that brought tension into a residential area.

“This environment has consequences. Footfall drops. People stay away. Businesses suffer.”

The group also criticised reports that far-right activists had been allowed to use Ceno Bar as a base.

SSUTR added: “It was deeply unhelpful that far-right activists were reportedly allowed to use Ceno Bar as a base, reinforcing the perception that the protests were being tolerated or enabled

“Many local people understandably chose not to frequent the venue as a result.

“The facts are clear: Ceno Bar traded successfully for years alongside the hotel. Its decline followed the start of sustained far-right activity last summer.

“Portswood is a diverse, welcoming community. Residents and businesses want peace, safety and cohesion — not division, intimidation or racism.

“Asylum seekers are part of our community and deserve dignity and respect.

“Racism and far-right agitation have no place in Portswood.”

Ceno Bar and Restaurant, on Highfield Lane, closed permanently on New Year’s Day, with a spokesperson saying that it planned to relocate and reopen in the spring.