Protesters gather near hotel over arrival of 300 asylum seekers

The housing of the men has divided opinions in town

OUTSIDE a stone church on a rainy Saturday, hand-drawn signs can be seen through the drizzle. 'House our homeless first, one reads. 'No entry without documents, another says.

Cars rush past on the busy road nearby, drivers honking their horns in solidarity every few minutes.

Around 30 people gathered to protest against the male asylum seekers currently being housed at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham on Saturday (November 16).

The arrival of the 300 men has divided opinion in the town - some welcoming the refugees while others have expressed worry.

Among those attending the "peaceful community protest" is 45-year-old Louise. "We have our homeless all on the streets and immigrants are coming in being housed," she told the Manchester Evening News.

"Our veterans are on the streets. We have elderly who cannot afford to put the heating on and families living in poverty. I was disgusted when I found out. We had no idea." Altrincham resident Lola, 52, said she has concerns. "These men have not been vetted, they're free to roam and have no curfew," she claimed.