Residents of the small Oxfordshire village of Piddington are vehemently opposing plans to house 1,250 male asylum seekers at the nearby Bicester barracks, with some villagers even voting to stage a symbolic referendum on leaving the UK. The proposals, which aim to disperse asylum seekers across all parts of the country rather than concentrating them in the poorest communities, have ignited fury among the 350 inhabitants of Piddington.
Tim McNally, chair of Piddington Parish Council, criticized the perceived lack of response from authorities, stating that it has taken months to receive any meaningful engagement. "The whole system is broken, and the politics of this country is broken as no one is representing us," McNally said. "We are paying our money, we are paying taxes, but we aren't being represented. We are now pushing back."
Concerns raised by residents extend beyond the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large number of individuals in a small community. Melise Witkin, a resident, emphasized that the issue is primarily about safety, not wealth. "This is not about being rich or poor, this is about safety," Witkin stated. "We are 356 people in the village with 46 children and 1,250 men turning up is a recipe for disaster."
Residents also expressed worries about security, particularly given that the asylum site is not a locked facility, unlike the nearby HMP Bullingdon prison. "The men will be allowed out during the day," Witkin noted. "We have absolutely no problem with that whatsoever. Unfortunately, the asylum site is not locked up. What are 1,000 men going to do during the day?"
Karen Joy, another Piddington resident, echoed the sentiment of being ignored, stating that local officials had been "making a noise for quite some time" before receiving attention. She highlighted the lack of amenities for the asylum seekers and the potential for them to wander into the village unsupervised. "Our worry is that they will wander into our village and the security is nil," Joy said.
Graham Burchell, who has farmed in Piddington since 1970, voiced his opposition, citing the existing proximity to a prison and a traveler camp. "We don't need the camp, we don't want it and we would be a far sight better off without it," he remarked. He also questioned the cost-effectiveness of the plan, suggesting it would cost millions.
Regional mayor Andy Burnham, whose plans are reportedly behind the dispersal, stated he would listen to the concerns raised by Piddington residents. "I will listen to what people are saying and respond to the concerns that they are putting forward," Burnham said. "I do have to say, we cannot have a situation where it's only the poorest communities in the country that receive all of the dispersal of refugees and asylum seekers. I do believe all parts of the country need to work, to play their part."
An analysis by the Daily Mail identified 17 local authorities, many in rural areas, that currently house no asylum seekers supported by taxpayer funds. These areas include the Cotswolds, Derbyshire Dales, and the New Forest, among others.