On Friday, I met with Home Office officials to ascertain how the Home Office would improve communication lines between itself and residents going forward. As residents will know, I have made it clear the lack of response to residents' concerns has been unacceptable and they have confirmed there will be answers to these questions before Thursday.
Hambleton District Council are continuing to pursue a legal case and I understand they are communicating updates to residents via the Parish Council.
The Home Office have stated they are setting up sub-groups focussed on health, policing and fire. Home Office officials will be represented at the parish council meeting on Thursday and are looking into more regular weekly meetings with residents going forward. I am told an informal route to send queries and concerns into will also be created.
I have once again reiterated this decision has not been considered adequately or appropriately and I fully support Hambleton Council in its quest for a legal route to reverse this.
With regards to the detainee element of the site, I understand the confusion was due to a misunderstanding at the first parish council meeting and the site, should it go ahead, will not have detainees initially, but may do in future.
I will be meeting with Home Office officials again tomorrow, along with Hambleton Council representatives and the Police and Crime Commissioner. I fully understand the ramifications this is having for residents of Linton and the surrounding area and give my assurances I will continue to work on stopping these plans.
