Four arrests took place in August
17:43, 12 Sep 2025Updated 17:45, 12 Sep 2025
The scene outside the Kings Gap Hotel in Hoylake, Wirral, in July(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A Wirral man has been charged after police made arrests following a protest outside a hotel where asylum seekers were staying. The arrests took place after a demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Hoylake in August
Wirral Council has said the Home Office is planning to use the building in the future for male asylum seekers. The hotel has previously been used for this purpose and more recently used to house families. The ECHO has previously reported how there have been four arrests following the protests outside the hotel.
Merseyside Police has now confirmed a man has been charged.
James Peter Martin, 43, of Old Chester Road, Higher Bebington, was arrested and later charged with a section 4 public order offence (using threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence).
He was conditionally bailed to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on October 3.
On Sunday, August 3, a 28-year-old man from Wirral was arrested on suspicion of a section 5 public order offence (displaying threatening or abusive writing or signs). He was later conditionally bailed.
A 30-year-old man from Wirral was arrested on suspicion of a section 5 public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was conditionally bailed.
After reports about the Home Office plans, there have been regular protests outside the hotel. Wirral Council has been reviewing whether planning permission needs to be sought going forward after being informed of the latest plans and some councillors want the local authority to take legal action.
Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett said people “have expressed clear opposition” to the housing of asylum seekers at the hotel and have asked the government to listen “as a matter of urgency”. However a recent Court of Appeal decision could make things more difficult for the local authority.
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