A GROUP of more than 100 people gathered at a Wirral hotel to voice their support for asylum seekers being accomodated there.

The rally took place on Friday evening outside the Grove Hotel in Wallasey which is one of around 400 hotels being used to house asylum seekers across the UK. 

Because of a lack of other suitable accommodation, asylum seekers are housed in hotels, which are often taken over by the government with only a few days' notice.

Hotel owners are approached to hand over their properties to outsourced companies, which run the business on behalf of the Home Office.

There have been some protests at some hotels, including Knowsley on Merseyside, with far-right elements involved.

Unions including the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), University and College Union (UCU), Unison Merseytravel/LCRCA, Unison (Wirral), Communications Workers Union (CWU), Unite (Bebington No.1), National Education Union (NEU), Wirral TUC and NW TUC all joined the rally. Other participants included church groups, charities and local residents.

Around 20 anti-refugee protesters also attended with some heard to shout "sink the boats".

Spokesperson Mark O'Brien said: "The rally supporting the refugees received huge support from residents and passers-by, with many honking their horns in support, winding down their car windows to say ‘well done!’ and even bringing along chips to share.

"Residents were emphatic that the refugees had been no trouble at all in the area."

New Brighton ward councillor Paul Martin also joined the rally. 

He said: "Obviously, it’s heart-breaking seeing far right activity going on in your own backyard. An area where I’m bringing my kids up in and have lived in for much of my life.

"That said, I felt an enormous sense of pride that so many people turned up to welcome and show solidarity with our refugee friends."

Lucy Barker, who lives close to the hotel, added: “As a resident of Grove Road, I have absolutely no issues with the refugees at the Grove House Hotel.

"They keep themselves to themselves. I hope these young men get all the support and help they need to integrate fully into our community.”

Another rally to support the refugees will happen at the Grove House Hotel at 6pm on Friday, March 24.