Fury after four-star luxury hotel used to house 150 male migrants – women feel unsafe

A fancy hotel in Peterborough, right next to a popular waterpark and rowing center, has been turned into housing for male migrants—and it’s causing a huge argument. The Dragonfly Hotel, usually busy with visitors in spring and summer, will now house 146 male asylum seekers, mostly from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Kuwait. The decision was made with just two days’ notice, and locals say they weren’t consulted. 

Many women and girls in the area say they no longer feel comfortable using the nearby park and river, especially with so many single men staying at the hotel. Gay Marriot, 82, told MailOnline that young women are now worried about exercising near the river because of the men staying there. She said while she feels sorry for the asylum seekers, the situation could lead to problems as the weather gets warmer. 

Colin Webster, 74, from the local residents’ association, called the situation a “disaster waiting to happen” and said nobody listened to their concerns. The hotel sits near expensive homes, and residents were shocked when the asylum seekers moved in last November. They’ve tried protesting to the Home Office, the city council, and the company running the hotel, but say they’ve been ignored. 

Not everyone is against it, though. Kai Palmer, 23, who manages a nearby café, said the asylum seekers have been polite and haven’t caused any trouble. He understands the concerns but thinks people shouldn’t focus only on the negatives. Meanwhile, big rowing events are still planned for this summer, which should bring in business.