Mears Group Statement

“County Durham is a dispersal area for asylum accommodation and Mears is required to procure both family and single-person accommodation to house people.

We are, however, aware of concerns about specific accommodation sites we were considering using in Peterlee and can confirm that we have paused those plans and are looking at other options.”

Grahame Morris MP

“I welcome the statement by the Mears Group. We have an open and welcoming community in East Durham, the issue is not about asylum accommodation, but the imposition of HMOs within residential communities, for which there is no demand for such accommodation.

I will continue to be robust in my representations to the Government and the Mears Group if they persist in trying to impose HMOs in the Easington constituency. I thank the Mears Group for their constructive engagement on this occasion, and I am pleased to note that plans for Peterlee are now paused and they are looking at other options.”