The new leader of Wakefield Council has outlined his party’s stance on housing asylum seekers in the district.

Asylum seekers have been housed in the Cedar Court hotel for several years.

Wakefield Council’s new leader Coun Karl Johnson written to the Home Secretary to ask the Government accelerate plans to end the use of the hotel

In a statement, he said: “The use of Cedar Court for asylum seekers places an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers. Puts a strain on local services. And harms local business by taking valuable accommodation out of our local economy.

“Our residents have made it clear they do not believe they are being prioritised and want to see change.

"So, one of the first actions I’ve taken as our new council leader is to urgently write to the Home Secretary to ask her to close the hotel to asylum seekers with immediate effect.

“Immigration is something many of us feel strongly about. Wakefield is a city of acceptance, diversity, and a place that encourages integration.

"But the current state of affairs is not sustainable.

“We experience weekly protests outside Cedar Court and monthly demonstrations in the city centre. This has an impact on community safety by taking vital resources away from the police.”

In his letter Coun Johnson has asked the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to confirm the closure of Cedar Court Hotel to asylum seekers.

The previous Labour administration of the council had sought legal action over asylum seekers being the hotel.

Former leader Denise Jeffery said using hotels to house asylum seekers was “not appropriate” and placed strain on local comunities.