POLICE have made a total of 21 arrests – involving 17 people – in connection with protests outside a Carmarthenshire hotel which is set to host asylum seeker families.

Protestors have been demonstrating outside the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli since plans were announced to house up to 241 asylum seekers while their claims are processed by the Home Office.

It was previously announced that 95 jobs – 50 full-time and 45 part-time – have been lost as a result of the proposals, and all booked events at the hotel, including weddings, were cancelled after July 10.

An online meeting was held on Tuesday for residents to raise any concerns about the plans to house asylum seeker families. However, the questions needed to be submitted in advance and there was no opportunity to respond on the night.

There, residents were told that no asylum seekers would be moved in to the site until it is signed off as safe.

In total, 21 arrests – involving 17 people – have been made in connection to the protests outside the hotel.

The majority of these arrests took place last week, which led to Dyfed-Powys Police appealing for “calm and co-operation” following “a concerning escalation of behaviour” by protestors outside the hotel.

Superintendent Ross Evans, Dyfed-Powys Police's commander for Carmarthenshire, said: “My officers and I are proud to serve the Furnace community and we come to work every day to keep the area safe for all who live, work and visit the area.

“We are also part of the community and it is acknowledged that the past few weeks have been a real challenge for everyone connected with the area.

“As a force, we fully recognise the concerns of residents and protestors. We are listening and responding to these concerns. We will continue to facilitate peaceful protest, however at times over the past week the behaviour of some individuals has gone beyond this.

“We will not allow unlawful behaviour to take place at these events. Where an offence is committed, we will take all reasonable and proportionate steps to bring offenders to justice, and enforcement action taken over the past seven days has clearly demonstrated this.

“The people of Carmarthenshire expect their local police to keep them safe and that is what we will continue to do.

“Public safety remains our priority and we will continue to listen to and work with all parties. In particular, is our intention to work with any protest groups in advance of any events so that we can facilitate peaceful demonstration.”

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The majority of those who have been arrested have bail conditions which prevent them either entering the area surrounding the hotel, Llanelli or Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

An investigation in to disorderly behaviour of some protestors last week which resulted in “significant damage to the hotel grounds and property” is ongoing, and officers anticipate further arrests will be made in connection with this.

A dedicated investigation team has been set up, and among other enquiries they are reviewing an extensive amount of video material.

Anyone with information that could help with this investigation is urged to report it by calling 101, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, online via https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, or by direct messaging Dyfed-Powys Police on social media. 

You can also get in touch anonymously with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.