Up to 70 teenage migrants shipped to one rural town
UP TO 70 unaccompanied migrant teenagers from Calais are on their way to a rural Devon town, it was revealed yesterday, as the French port itself witnessed an outbreak of violence last night.
Amid disquiet from locals worried about the lack of consultation and amenities, a “respite facility” near Great Torrington, about 25 miles from Bude, is set to welcome new arrivals under the “Dubs amendment”, which grants refuge to the vulnerable.
Meanwhile, police battled migrants on the edge of the Calais “Jungle” ahead of the planned eviction today of the thousands who live in the camp. Fires burnt as some refugees set fire to their shacks. Dozens of migrants taunted police and officers fired tear gas to disperse them. There were fears last night that British anarchists would attempt to stop the evacuation of the camp. The No Borders group has urged migrants to take on police as the camp is dismantled.
A community leader in Great Torrington said the choice of location for the respite facility was “bizarre” and council officials had failed to consult the town’s 5,000-strong population.
“We are a very tolerant, accommodating community but that is a very large amount of people,” said Nick Hallam, secretary of the Great Torrington Cavaliers, which has won The Queen’s Award for voluntary service.
Devon council told the BBC the facility would provide a welcoming place before children are reunited with family or moved to other parts of the country.
The group will be transported from Croydon, south London, where they were taken from Calais. The Home Office refused to confirm details of the move.