More than 150 protesters gathered outside a hotel which is at the centre of a row over plans to house single male asylum seekers last night (July 21).

A 'peaceful' demonstration was organised after some locals were left angered by the Home Office decision at The Park Hotel in Diss, Norfolk.

Since 2023 the hotel has been used to house asylum-seeking families, including women and children while their claims are processed.

However this month the Home Office told South Norfolk Council that the hotel would only be housing lone men from yesterday (July 21).

Loud chants of "stop the boats" and "send them home" could be heard while a large banner proclaimed "enough is enough"."



Kelly, who attended the protest, said: "The families that have been in the park hotel whilst their asylum claims are being processed have been absolutely welcomed, integrated into local schools and community and no problem at all."

"It's been lovely actually to see two or three families from the hotel on blankets in the park enjoying picnics."

"Yesterday I attended the protest with my homemade banner saying 'Don't surrender our safety for their sanctuary'."

"I've never attended a protest before but felt compelled to show up."

"My point of being there was that I have enjoyed meeting other families in the park over the years to chat as our children played and have picnics after feeding the ducks."

"With large groups of working age men from very different countries, cultures and values hanging out there all day may make local women and girls feel uncomfortable and intimidated."

"Fights within the groups may break out and make old people from the sheltered housing overlooking the park feel scared to go out."

"It may make our beautiful tourist town and the busy high street of independent shops a no go zone if people are afraid. It's not fair."

Kelly added that she was also concerned about the pressure on the 'dwindling' supply of local homes available for rent.

Sydney Jones, who was also in attendance, said: "There was a counter protest of around 25 to 30 people who left early."

"The Left are using the terms 'racist' and 'Nazi' to describe it but the words are being used for anything these days."

"People found their voice at the protest. They don't want to live in a society where they can't speak out freely or discuss these things without the fear of losing a job or their education."

"They don't feel heard by the government."

"I hope the Home Office reconsiders their decision to move the men in. Yesterday was a stand from the people to say no."

One passer-by said: "There were groups of protesters on both sides of the road. "

"When the Stand Up To Racism group moved on, the other group stayed put with megaphones, giving speeches outside of the hotel."

"There were a number of police there to stop any violence from breaking out."

"I did see one protester running after a member of Stand Up To Racism, but police broke them up to stop any violence from happening."

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the concerns of local authorities, local MPs and the community have."

"We want to listen and work with them to mitigate their concerns around hotels and other accommodation sites."