COVID infection rates across Romsey and Test Valley have continued to fall since the start of lockdown, despite there still being some areas in the borough with higher numbers of cases. An interactive Government map has shown that since January 9 - four days after the third national lockdown started - Test Valley had five areas where cases were rising. According to a map on the government coronavirus dashboard, in the week to February 13, when the latest figures were available, cases in 11 areas of Test Valley were dropping. But, infection rates were still on the rise in four places in the borough.
THE Home Office has scrapped plans to house 200 asylum-seekers in a “prison-style” camp next to a detention centre a major victory for local campaigners.
The department confirmed today that it has decided not to proceed with the proposals, which would have seen asylum-seekers “housed” in prefabricated portacabins beside Yarl’s Wood in Bedfordshire.
The plans, which emerged late last year, prompted a huge backlash from local MPs, councillors and campaigners, who launched legal action against the expansion of the notorious detention centre.
Campaigners had raised fears about asylum-seekers’ wellbeing at the remote site and the traumatising impact of being held on the estate of an immigration jail.
Dear Editor, Scouting in lockdown has bought many challenges for our Leaders, all our Groups are having virtual meetings with our Young People. These meetings are proving very popular and for many of the young people the high light of the week. I am sure that this is helping them get through this latest lockdown. We are still seeing young people wanting to join and have a number of spaces. At the same time we are actively seeking adults, aged 18 or over, to join us in bringing Scouting to even more young people. I was heartened last week to receive an email from a parent who quoted “the enthusiasm of the leaders is amazing”
News Reporter
THE Home Office has moved only four asylum-seekers from an ex-army camp in Wales this week despite promises to transfer everyone from the site, a former resident has claimed.
Asylum-seekers at Penally Camp in Pembrokeshire have spoken out against the Home Office over the slow transfer of residents.
Earlier this month, Immigration Minister Chris Philp announced that all residents at Penally would be moved following calls to shut the site down over “inhumane” living conditions.
But asylum-seeker Kenan, who was held at the former army barracks last year, said this information was “misleading.”
He said: “Last week they moved four residents, and this week another four.