CORNWALL Council has put out a statement attempting to discourage people from attending an anti-asylum seeker protest being planned for Newquay.

The council is urging people not to attend the protest, saying it is "not welcome", and urging people to show "warmth and tolerance" to those people who are here lawfully and have been legitimately housed by the government. 

The council has also asked residents to "consider the circumstances of the individuals residing" at the hotel and not attend the event.

The Packet has chosen not to publish the date of the protest.

In a statement posted on its website, Cornwall Council said: "Cornwall Council urges everyone to show warmth and tolerance to people residing in the Beresford Hotel Newquay, whilst they are lawfully and legitimately housed here by the UK government.

"The planned protests are not welcome and we call upon everyone to consider the circumstances of the individuals residing there. We encourage people not to attend the protests.

"The council, health agencies, charities, police and other partners continue to work together to ensure that every resident feels safe and secure in the town.

"For more information about the placement of asylum seekers at the hotel see the Cornwall Council website.

"If anyone has concerns they would like to share with the Council please email refugeehelp@cornwall.gov.uk."