The UK government has halted plans to relocate 83 asylum seekers to a row of newbuild homes in the remote Shropshire village of Stoke Heath, following a fierce backlash from residents. The road, dubbed 'Migrant Street' by locals, had been earmarked for social housing before Home Office contractor Serco took control.
Government U-Turn After Community Meeting
The reversal came just minutes before a community meeting with Conservative MP Mark Pritchard on Thursday evening. Pritchard told the 100-plus residents gathered at Stoke-on-Tern Parish Hall that a senior Home Office official had confirmed the pause. 'The ones already there have been relocated to another location,' he said. 'There is now going to be a review of the whole scheme.'
The meeting, which required photo ID for entry, saw residents express concerns about the village's isolation. The nearest shop is four miles away, and the closest bus stop is a 30-minute walk. Pritchard had previously called the village 'completely inappropriate' for the scheme.
Residents React to the Pause
Local resident Tonia Roberts expressed cautious optimism. 'We're just hoping we'll get a good result. It's given us some hope,' she said. 'It's not an appropriate place to have these asylum seekers. There's nothing there.' Kevin Plews, another resident, added: 'I'm very pleased that it's going to be under review,' though he voiced distrust of Shropshire Council, accusing them of 'keeping their cards very close to their chests.'
However, neighbour John Getty remained skeptical. 'No corks are popping yet,' he said. 'I think it's still going to happen. The Government lie every day. We've just got to keep fighting it.'
Asylum Seeker Family Relocated
A family that had been living in one of the properties—Muhammad Nadeem, his wife Shamaila, and their four children—were relocated before the halt. Nadeem, 40, who fled Pakistan two years ago, said: 'This is no good for us this place. It's too rural. I have diabetes and back pain. We now have security guards outside but we don't feel safe.'
The plan was part of the government's broader strategy to phase out migrant hotels by 2029, moving asylum seekers into 'properties and ex-military sites.' The Dutton Close homes, valued at £250,000 each, were originally intended for social housing.
MP Calls for Clarity
Pritchard criticised Serco, Shropshire Council, and the Home Office for failing to send representatives to the meeting. 'It is disappointing that Serco, who were invited but didn't attend, Shropshire Council were invited, they didn't attend. The Home Office were invited and they failed to send a representative,' he said. He added that the final decision likely rests with the Home Secretary, who recently stated that asylum seekers should not be placed in newbuild accommodation.
The review's timeline remains unclear, leaving the community in uncertainty. The Home Office has been approached for comment.
