Theo Clarke MP for Stafford has written to the immigration minister asking him to intervene and stop an appeal by Serco to house asylum seekers at former student accommodation in the town.
The company has appealed a decision by Stafford Borough Council last summer to turn down the plans to house nearly 500 people at Beaconside. At the time, 250 local people objected to the plans.
Mrs Clarke has now contacted Robert Jenrick.
“Following a huge number of local residents who have contacted me to express their concerns, I have written to the immigration minister asking him to intervene to stop the appeal by Serco to house asylum seekers at Beaconside,” the MP said.
“I know Stafford is ready to welcome those seeking refuge but the sheer numbers that could be housed and its central location will have an adverse effect on our community.
“The council raised its concerns last year too about the volume of people in such a small area and the lack of services to support them.
“Stafford has welcomed people while their asylum status is determined. It is playing its part but this appeal would lead to an enormous expansion of places to the detriment of the community. There have already been concerns raised about anti-social behaviour and crime regarding a local hotel housing asylum seekers.”
She added: “The migration number we house at the moment is 137 spread across accommodation in the district. Beaconside will house 482 in two different categories in one place in a small market town. I do not think this can be right for Stafford or its residents.”