Residents in Margaret Thatcher's hometown of Grantham have voiced anger over a surge in properties being converted to house asylum seekers, with some claiming the town is shouldering an unfair burden. Approximately 70 properties have been acquired across the South Kesteven district, mostly in Grantham, under the government's asylum accommodation programme.
Council Confirms Numbers Exceeded
South Kesteven District Council said it had originally been told to prepare for around 300 asylum seekers, but that number has already been exceeded. Deputy council leader Paul Stokes confirmed most purchased properties were in Grantham because they were easier to convert. The council secured a temporary pause on further acquisitions while discussions with ministers continue.
Residents Voice Concerns
Some residents told the Daily Mail they believed Grantham had taken "more than its fair share" and criticised the government's handling of illegal migration. Retired factory worker Steve said he welcomed legal migrants but objected to illegal migration. "I have no problem with migrants coming over here legally to live and work and be part of the community. But it's all the illegal migrants flooding our towns and cities which I object to," he said.
Council Seeks Planning Controls
Councillors are due to consider new planning rules requiring permission before more properties can be converted into small houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), similar to measures in other parts of Lincolnshire. The council wants to control how asylum accommodation is implemented to assess impacts on local services and housing.
Divided Opinions
Opinion among residents remains divided. One local woman said asylum seekers had become a familiar sight and did not pose a problem, arguing they had to live somewhere. Others expressed concerns after groups were seen gathering near the town centre. A security guard told the newspaper police had occasionally been called following incidents.
Political Reactions
Conservative councillor Matthew Bailey argued South Kesteven was accommodating significantly more asylum seekers than neighbouring districts and called for fairer national distribution. Conservative MP Gareth Davies said ministers instructed Serco to halt procurement of additional accommodation in Grantham while concerns were reviewed. Home Office figures show supported asylum accommodation in South Kesteven rose from 215 in December to 270 in March.
The Home Office reiterated its commitment to ending the use of asylum hotels by the end of the current Parliament and moving people into more suitable housing, but declined to comment on individual sites.
