Britons in migrant hotspots ‘too terrified to walk the streets’ as communities ‘scared’ for safety

By September 2024, over 109,000 asylum seekers were being housed across the UK, and some local communities are raising concerns about how this is affecting their towns and cities. Places like Hartlepool, Swansea, and Coventry have taken in more asylum seekers compared to many other parts of the country, and that has sparked mixed reactions among residents.

In Hartlepool, where 49 asylum seekers live per 10,000 people, some locals say they feel unsafe and overlooked by the Government’s dispersal policy. The murder of 70-year-old Terence Carney in October 2023 by Moroccan asylum seeker Ahmed Alid has left a lasting impact on the community. “We knew Terrance’s child. He should have felt safe in his community,” said Kayleigh Courtney.

Lauren Green, another resident, expressed frustration, claiming asylum seekers are being “prioritised” for housing while locals struggle to access basic services like doctors and dentists. A former landlord added that many houses are being converted into HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) to accommodate the growing numbers.

Swansea, which hosts 32.6 asylum seekers per 10,000 people, has also seen complaints. One market worker said, “I’ve seen up to 30 men sitting outside Costa. I find it intimidating. They don’t contribute by working or paying taxes, they don’t seem to be here with families.”

Coventry ranks even higher, with 60 asylum seekers per 10,000 people. Louise, who is currently homeless, said, “The houses go to asylum seekers rather than people like me who are sleeping rough.” Zain Khan, a shopkeeper from Pakistan, supported the UK’s refugee policy but said more should be done to help asylum seekers contribute through work.

However, not everyone shares these negative views. Rebecca Howland in Coventry said she hasn’t noticed any problems and described the city as “pleasant enough.” And 21-year-old politics student Xander Green offered a more understanding view, saying, “People who talk about migrants often grew up in places where they don’t have that first-hand interaction with diversity.”

The situation highlights a divide in opinion — with some residents feeling overwhelmed or overlooked, while others are more accepting of the newcomers and supportive of the UK’s role in offering refuge.