The numbers on the blocks are a throwback to the days when this former air base in Essex was also a military police training facility.
Block 1027 has always been used for accommodation at Wethersfield – decades ago it was sergeants’ accommodation for American airmen.
But now it will provide somewhere to stay for the first 50 asylum seekers being housed in large sites as part of the government’s strategy to reduce costly hotel bills.
There’s a smell of fresh paint. The bedrooms have been adapted to provide somewhere to sleep for two to three people in each. A towel has been folded neatly on top of new bedding in anticipation of the arrival of the group of adult males coming by coach from Kent processing centres.
The group all crossed the channel by small boat over the weekend and they’ve now arrived at the site.
On arrival all asylum seekers will be given an induction briefing – in the reception room there is a sign which says welcome in English and a number of other languages including Arabic and Farsi.
Each person will be given a “welcome pack” – including basic toiletries they will need.
But it will also include guidance on “how to be a good neighbour” – there’s been huge opposition among the quiet rural villages close to the base that village communities will be “overwhelmed” by the 1,700 asylum seekers which the site is scheduled to hold by the autumn.
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‘It’s a very different culture’
Cheryl Avery, Asylum Accommodation Director at the Home Office, said: “Everybody who arrives here goes through an orientation process to understand what acceptable behaviour is.
“We know that they’ve been through quite a lengthy journey and they’re in a new environment and it’s important they understand how to fit in and be part of the community and minimise any impact.
“There’s a guide that’s presented to every individual – they’re given details in their own language to advise them what it is to be a good neighbour.
“We’re really keen that people understand how you fit in because it’s a very different culture. It’s a very different environment and it’s really important they understand that.
“We talk to them about what is deemed acceptable with noise and don’t hang around on street corners. We’ve done a lot of work about how to give back to communities.”
On-site facilities include gym, sports hall and prayer room
Other on-site facilities include a gym and sports hall; a multi-faith prayer room and a white tent (which looks like a wedding gazebo) which will be used as a place where people can smoke.
The dining room advertises meal times – there will be three “square” meals a day and snacks. A small shop will sell basics like chocolate bars (but no cigarettes).
The Home Office says asylum seekers will have “everything they need on-site” – and that includes a medical centre where doctors will be able to proscribe medicines so the resources of local communities aren’t burdened.
Protesters outside the asylum accommodation centre
Critics say site will be like prison
Critics say the site will be like a prison – although asylum seekers are free to come and go as they please and the Home Office says it will provide a shuttle service to nearby towns such as Braintree and Colchester.
Those in charge of the refurb are keen to point out that the accommodation strictly adheres to housing regulations. The Home Office describes it as “basic, safe and secure”.
But this is a “soft launch” which will throw up any concerns about issues such as adequate sewage.
It’s a big project – one of a number of large sites around the country being adapted by the government to house asylum seekers and the first to be opened. But while small boat crossing continue it’s unlikely to be the last.
