ASYLUM seekers will no longer be accommodated at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, it has been confirmed.

On Sunday, August 4, a violent riot took place at the site and many Barnsley thugs have subsequently been sentenced.

They were protesting against the hotel being used as accommodation for asylum seekers, before the site was targeted and police were attacked.

Over the last few years local MP John Healey has been campaigning for the site to not be used to house asylum seekers - and it has now been confirmed the hotel will not be used in that way.

Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said: “We have carefully considered the representations and views from a range of stakeholders, and I am pleased to inform you that the Home Office will be terminating the contract with the Holiday Inn Express and will not therefore be reoccupying the hotel.

“I trust that this is a helpful update and one which you will welcome.”

John added: “As you will know over the last two years, I have put forward the case that our Manvers Holiday Inn Hotel is totally unsuited for use as asylum accommodation.

“I argued this case with the previous two Home Secretaries and three immigration ministers in the last Conservative government.

“I have been contacted by numerous constituents regarding the future of the Manvers Holiday Inn Hotel, which had been used for asylum accommodation.

“Since the election in July, I have discussed my concerns with both the new Home Secretary and the Asylum Minister.

“I’m now happy to let you know that I have received confirmation that the Home Office will be terminating their asylum accommodation contract for the Holiday Inn Express and will not be using the hotel for this purpose going forward.

“I appreciate this has been a difficult period for people locally and I hope this latest announcement removes some uncertainty about the future.

“If you have further views or concerns, then please do get in touch with me.”