Sully site hope (From Penarth Times)

Sully site hope

SULLY Hospital will not be used for asylum seekers if it is unsuitable for the purpose, the Home Office assured residents this week.

Vale MP John Smith is "more confident than ever" that the proposals will not go ahead, after a meeting with Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Lord Rooker

Mr Smith said he had received a "categorical assurance" from Lord Rooker that the disused site would not become an accommodation centre for refugees unless it was totally right for them.

The minister also indicated to Mr Smith that he was aware of some of the "serious difficulties" associated with the site.

The assurance follows weeks of uproar in the area, in which many local people have lashed out at the proposals, saying they do not want asylum seekers housed at the hospital.

But Mr Smith said: "I am very assured by my meeting. The minister responsible for this project confirmed the undertaking given to me by the Home Secretary that there is no question of Sully being used if it is unsuited to the Home Office's purposes.

He added: "As Sully is too small, a listed building and in the wrong location, I am more confident than ever that it will not be chosen."

Sully Hospital closed in March 2001,