Locals Furious as 150 Male Asylum Seekers Moved Into Luxurious Hotel—Residents Say Area No Longer Feels Safe

What used to be a quiet and popular local hangout in Cambridgeshire has suddenly become the centre of a big argument. The Dragonfly Hotel, a peaceful spot by the River Nene in Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough, was quickly turned into temporary housing for 146 male asylum seekers. This change happened with only 48 hours’ notice, and many locals say they weren’t told or asked about it.

The hotel sits in a beautiful location near a large park and a 1,000-metre rowing lake. It has been a favourite place for locals, especially young people, to enjoy sunny days, swimming, rowing, or relaxing outdoors. But since the asylum seekers moved in, many in the community feel the area has changed.

Most of the new residents are from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Kuwait. Some people living nearby, especially women and families, say they now feel uncomfortable using the park and river areas. They are worried about safety and the atmosphere, particularly with a large group of single men being placed in such a busy public space.

Gay Marriot, an 82-year-old local woman, said that young women she knows no longer feel safe jogging or rowing around the area. She said that while she feels sorry for the asylum seekers, she’s worried that the situation could become more difficult in the warmer months when more people are out and about. She mentioned that having so many unvetted men living near areas where young women exercise in light clothing might cause problems.

Another local, Colin Webster from the Thorpe Gate Residents Association, said the decision was made without talking to the community. He called it “a disaster waiting to happen” and said the local council and MPs haven’t done enough to help.

The hotel is next to expensive homes, some worth up to £1 million, and now it’s become the focus of a lot of frustration. Thousands of people signed a petition against turning the hotel into housing for asylum seekers, but locals say the government isn’t listening.

However, not everyone is upset. Kai Palmer, a 23-year-old who runs a nearby café, said the asylum seekers he’s met have been kind and respectful. He admitted that people have concerns, but pointed out that nothing bad has actually happened.

As summer nears and big events like rowing regattas are set to take place, many are hoping everything goes well. But the sudden changes to the area have left a lot of people feeling unsure about what’s next.