There is an increased police presence at Falmouth Docks this evening amid rumours of a protest and that the Bibby Stockholm is preparing to leave.
The three-storey barge has been in the drydock at A&P Falmouth since the start of May, for a refit.
It will ultimately be used to house single men when it arrives at its final destination in Portland in Dorset. The barge had been expected to leave in June, but a week into July and it remains in drydock.
However, rumours have begun that the barge may be preparing to leave Falmouth today or early tomorrow, as the drydock is said to be “filling up.”
When Packet went to look at 5.30pm today (Friday) the Bibby Stockholm was still in position, although the drydock did indeed have water in it.
A drone was flying overhead and there appeared to be an increase in police in the area, with two at the docks office, two more at the end of the entrance road, and police also positioned in parked black van.
It is understood members of the pro-refugee group Cornwall Resists may be planning another protest this evening, after posting on Twitter “The time is now” and telling people to “Join us at the gates of A&P ASAP.”
A protest took place last Friday in the town by the same group, when around 30 members marched from The Moor to the docks with placards.
They also changed protests against the government’s plan to house refugees and asylum seekers on barges, with this one expected to house up to 500 migrants while they are waiting for their cases to be processed.
It followed a further protest at the end of June, when red paint was thrown against the walls of the A&P building.
While not claiming responsibility, the action was applauded by Cornwall Resists who said in a Tweet: "Massive love to the legends who splattered A&P building last night with red paint."
The Home Office has said it is committed to “making every effort to reduce hotel use and limit the burden on the taxpayer.”
It says the current asylum system is under extreme pressure and costing the country £3 billion a year and rising, including around £6 million a day on hotel accommodation.
"We continue to ensure the accommodation provided is safe, secure, leaves no one destitute and is appropriate for an individual’s needs," they said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here