'No indication' former Angus care home to be turned into asylum seeker accommodation

Angus council has confirmed there is “no indication” that a former Angus care home is being turned into accommodation for asylum seekers.

An application was lodged with the local authority to turn Lochbank Manor in Forfar into a 38-bed house of multiple occupancy on October 13 by Kilmarnock-based Veriton Group.

Under the new proposals, the building will comprise 35 single bedrooms, spread across both ground and first floors, each with an en-suite and additional owner accommodation.

More than 200 people have objected to the proposed change after rumours on social media suggested that the former care home was being converted into asylum seeker accommodation.

One objector stated that they are worried about “the current situation with migration” and that the company is “not concerned about local people”.

Another wrote: “Totally in disbelief they’d be housed here, absolutely appalling”.

Angus Council has now addressed the “growing belief” that Lochbank Manor will be used to house those seeking asylum.

The local authority said there was no indication that this was the case as the planning request is for a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

They also stated that claims being repeated about asylum seekers “do not stand up to the facts”.

“We want to set the record straight with accurate information because the truth is that people seeking sanctuary are people fleeing poverty, war and persecution”, a statement said.

Perth and Kinross Council slam misinformation

Angus Council is the second Scottish authority this week to take to social media to discuss disinformation surrounding asylum seeker accommodation.

Perth and Kinross Council confirmed “absurd” disinformation was being spread online, stating that more hotels and other vacant buildings were going to be used as accommodation for asylum seekers.

The local authority added that claims the Kingdom Housing Association flats in Fairfield were to be used as accommodation were “completely untrue”.

They said the flats are currently being refurbished and won’t be available to rent until July next year.

Two hotels in Perth are currently being used to house asylum seekers.

The council states that it has received no indication from the Home Office that additional accommodation will be used in the area to house asylum seekers.

Residents were urged to “think twice” before sharing posts online and to check the source of the information.