A large demonstration formed outside a hotel being used to house asylum seekers by the Home Office.
The government took over the Chichester Park Hotel, in Westhampnett Road, on Monday, September 25, after it was announced that the site would close with bookings cancelled or moved.
Yesterday, protesters gathered outside the hotel once again and police were at the scene to keep opposition groups apart.
Those supporting the hotel's use held placards which read: "Welcome refugees."
Another read: "Asylum seekers are human."
One woman at the protest held a sign saying: "Daughter of a refugee and teacher for 45 years."
Some campaigners used megaphones to amplify their chants.
- READ MORE: Protests break out at Home Office hotel
Across the road, protesters against the use of the hotel to house migrants had placards which read: "£8 million per day tax payer's expense."
"Zero consultation with local residents," read another.
The demonstrations come after the announcement that the hotel would be used last month, with planned parties and weddings at the venue cancelled.
A third party contractor will take over the site on behalf of the Home Office.
Railings were seen placed outside the hotel to control the crowds protesting and blocking access to the hotel.
The Home Office previously refused to confirm or deny the use of the hotel, adding: “The number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum system under incredible strain.
“We have been clear that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable – there are currently more than 51,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer £6 million a day.
“The Home Office is committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use and limit the burden on the taxpayer.”
In a joint statement, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council said: “A hotel in the Chichester area is being considered for use as contingency accommodation for people seeking asylum.
“Decisions around use of hotels and placements for those seeking asylum are made by the Home Office. We are not involved in the decision-making process.”
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