The asylum seekers being accommodated at a hotel in Newquay have been relocated outside of Cornwall, the Home Office have confirmed today. 

The Beresford Hotel at Narrowcliff had been the scene of two protests and counter-protests following their contentious move there.

Newquay MP Steve Double said: “I have been making the case for many months to the Home Office that the asylum seekers need to be moved before the start of the tourism season. It was clear that their ongoing presence was having a detrimental effect on the economy of the town. 

“Last week the decision was made that they would be moved by the end of April and Cornwall Council and the hotel owners were informed on Monday of that decision. 

“However, my understanding is that the hotel owners have decided to accelerate that process and the asylum seekers have now been relocated outside of Cornwall today. 

“This means the hotel can now hopefully be returned to being used as a hotel and be available to tourists in the near future. 

“I would also like to give my thanks to the vast majority of residents in Newquay who have been respectful and understanding of the situation and those who have worked to provide support to the asylum seekers. Most residents have welcomed the asylum seekers to the town and cared for them during this time.

“However, it’s right that the hotel has now been returned to what it was built for.”