Overview
- Ceno Bar and Restaurant closed on New Year’s Day after 20 years, with owners citing safety and operational issues linked to the neighbouring Highfield House Hotel’s use for asylum seekers.
- Homeless people have occupied the vacant premises, with a local volunteer saying three individuals are inside and more are being vetted as he seeks permission to run a night shelter there.
- Southampton City Council stated it has not approved the site’s use as a shelter and said lawful use and safety are the responsibility of the building’s owner.
- A heavily policed PACT meeting at Highfield Church on January 8 was disrupted by audience disputes, with two people asked to leave and one removed, as protests and counter-protests continued outside.
- MP Satvir Kaur said she has worked with local authorities and written to the Home Office about concerns, and she supports the government’s plan to close asylum hotels, while SSUTR blames far-right demonstrations for harming local trade.