Fact check: We've found out whether 800 asylum seekers will be housed in Greater Manchester park
Claims that 800 asylum seekers could be housed in a Stockport park are not true, it can be confirmed.
Images have been widely shared online purporting to show notice of a planning application for a ‘four-storey temporary structure’ at St Thomas’ Park on Hempshaw Lane near the town centre.
The official-looking document claims the building would ‘provide accommodation for up to 800 asylum seekers’ if approved, and sparked outcry across social media.
Complete with links to the Stockport council planning website and an application reference, the notice stated that locals would have 21 days to object to the plans. The document added: “A planning application has ben submitted to Stockport Borough Council. Member sof the public may inspect the application, plans and supporting documents on the council’s website.”
But Stockport council said the notices, shared widely on Thursday (December 18), are not genuine and are now being taken down.
A spokesperson explained: “The notices circulating locally and online are not legitimate and are factually incorrect. All inaccurate notices will be removed in line with the council’s existing policies.
“No planning application for temporary asylum accommodation has been submitted or approved. All genuine applications are published on the council’s website.”
The fake application which appeared on the notices does not appear anywhere on the council’s planning portal which can be checked online. Some of the illegitimate notices appeared around St. Thomas’ Park which is in the Manor ward.
Coun Jon Byrne said: “As a long term resident of Manor ward and now an elected representative I see every day how tolerant and welcoming our community is.
“From our local churches, allotments, schools and other community groups, the community works to make everyone’s lives a bit better.
“Unfortunately in recent months we have seen attempts to cause division, including this latest stunt, along with my ward colleagues we will not tolerate these behaviours and will take direct action if we are able to.
“As of this morning I have removed the notices from lampposts and ask that people think carefully and check facts before sharing things on social media.”
Coun Christine Carrigan, leader of Stockport’s opposition Labour group, said: “I’m very angry that we are seeing an escalation in tactics from those who want to stoke fear and division in our communities.”
For the latest public notices from your area, please visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk/