Fears over two new centres for migrants on way to Calais
TWO new migrant centres are being set up near Calais, fuelling fears that thousands will gather there while trying to enter Britain illegally.
Less than a year after the notorious camp known as the ‘Jungle’ was razed, France’s highest court has authorised two new sites for those seeking asylum.
One will be in an historic abbey in a village and the other in a former hotel, both 50 miles from Calais.
The move has caused exasperation among local officials in France, and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke warned: ‘There is a risk that setting up these new centres will make Calais even more of a migrant magnet.
‘It means thousands more vulnerable people will be encouraged to make the perilous journey across Europe, with many falling into the hands of ruthless traffickers.
‘We cannot allow a new Jungle or Sangatte [another refugee camp] to spring up in Calais yet again.’
He added: ‘Our border needs to be more secure than ever, particularly at the Dover frontline.’
This week the Cistercian Abbey of Belval in Troisvaux, a village with a population of less than 350, will be converted into a reception centre for up to 300 new arrivals. It has hosted 40 refugees since May, and currently has 22.
Mayor Charles Torchy said: ‘ I’m not in favour of putting 200-plus extra people in my village.
‘It’s not possible logistically. The current building in the abbey cannot take more than 60.’
Meanwhile, in Bailleul, a town of 15,000, the Hotel F1 in an industrial park bordering the motorway to Calais will also house migrants and asylum seekers.
It stopped taking public reservations in June and is expected to be ready for migrants within days.
The town’s mayor Marc Deneuche expressed similar reservations to Mr Torchy, saying the use of the hotel for migrants had to be ‘regulated very carefully’.
The opening of the two centres was announced on Monday after a ruling by France’s top administrative court. This was in response to a campaign by charities and human rights groups that argued refugees were living in inhumane conditions in squalid camps around Calais.
As a result of the ruling, water, showers and toilets will now be provided in Calais via mobile facilities.