Chris Whitbread, leader of Epping Forest District Council, has called for an end to demonstrations outside the Bell hotel in Epping, which houses asylum seekers. The council is pursuing legal action to challenge the hotel's use as accommodation for migrants.
Whitbread stated that the community is 'tired and need some respite' from the disturbances, as schools return this week. He appealed to protest organisers to show restraint and give families and children a break.
The council's call for calm follows a High Court ruling last Friday that set aside a temporary injunction granted to the council, allowing more than 130 asylum seekers to remain at the hotel. The council had sought to evict them by 12 September.
Whitbread emphasised that the legal battle is not over, with a full hearing scheduled for next month to discuss a permanent injunction. The council is also considering seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.
While local residents have been involved in the protests, far-right activists have also promoted them. Three people were arrested during a protest on Sunday. Whitbread stressed the right to peaceful protest but urged protesters to consider the impact on the local community and economy.
