Council speaks out to 'give facts' on those living in hotel after speculation and misinformation
The hotel has been selected by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for use as temporary accommodation for entitled persons (EPs) from Afghanistan on a short-term basis, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has said in a statement. It said that it is a UK Government scheme, led by the MOD.
The hotel has already been used previously to home families in desperate situations.
Conservative regional Senedd member for South Wales Central, Andrew RT Davies, has questioned the appropriateness of a site with limited access to facilities and services.
A statement from the council read: "The MOD is the most appropriate organisation to provide details about the arrangement.
"However, as there has been speculation and misinformation about the project on social media and within the local community, the council feels it is important that residents are given the facts.
"As EPs, this group have the right to live in the UK following their efforts supporting the British military in Afghanistan.
"These households are not illegal immigrants, asylum seekers or refugees.
"The UK Government has granted them indefinite leave to remain in this country, which is now regarded as their home.
"The first of two intakes, which is expected shortly, will consist of 19 families with children, three couples and a single person.
This temporary arrangement, lasting up to nine months, is in place while they are helped to find more permanent accommodation across the UK."
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Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, councillor Lis Burnett, said: 'This location has been selected by the MOD as part of an operation to help a distinct group of people who have fled Afghanistan after working in partnership with UK Forces in that country.
'They have every right to live in this country following the commitment and loyalty they have shown and, in a large number of cases, the sacrifices they have made.
'This is not a council initiative, but one organised and operated by the MOD, which we are supporting.
"As with previous schemes, funding has been provided by the UK Government.
'The communities of the Vale have a long history of helping those in need and values relating to tolerance, acceptance, understanding and inclusivity are a central feature of this council's ongoing ethos and approach.
'Naturally, we also care deeply about our existing residents and feel you should be informed about what's happening in your locality.
'Over recent weeks, council teams have been working with colleagues from the MOD, Welsh Government and other agencies to prepare for arrivals.
'Initial conversations have taken place with local schools to assess existing capacity and the possibility of placing children, but no final decisions can be made until the EPs arrive and the age of the children is known.
"As is common when dealing with sensitive issues like this, these discussions have needed to be kept confidential.
'The UK Government will provide funding to support education and increase the capacity of health services such as doctor's surgeries.
'We have a shining example of how successful a temporary placement of EPs can be in nearby St Athan, where the local community embraced arrivals from Afghanistan staying on the army base there.
'Those individuals were invited to join local sports clubs, while residents worked together to collect items they may need to be more comfortable. I'm confident the people of Rhoose, Barry and the wider Vale of Glamorgan area will be equally welcoming.
'Many of these people will have suffered great trauma, given up everything and left their homes to move to a new country.
"It is highly likely they will feel vulnerable and scared as they start a completely new life.
'The Vale will be these families' first home in the UK – it is up to us to help them acclimatise and adjust to life here. As a community, I'm sure we will offer them the empathy and dignity they deserve.
'I'm proud of our previous achievements. People in the Vale have a consistent track record of greeting new arrivals with warmth, hospitality and compassion. That is what we do because that is the kind of place we all want to live in.'
The council says it is in regular contact with the MOD and other partners and "will provide further updates on this matter as the situation develops".
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