A reader says: "Using a secure reception centre system at Northeye, based on the refugee camp model, isolated but with good facilities and safety for those being detained might be a workable option"

There was an immediate and understandable concern from the residents of the housing estate next door to Northeye. They face the prospect of maybe 1,200 people being housed with no real local resource, especially in that location and no ability to work or relieve inevitable boredom.

SEE ALSO: East Sussex asylum seekers site - residents claim they are 'distressed' over Home Office plans

I understand that the riot and fire that broke out at the prison, in 1986, was the result of inmates being dissatisfied with their conditions at that time. I doubt that anyone in the Home Office will have taken the trouble to research any of this or even to advise the local council in advance.

My first thoughts were that, like all the other government announcements being desperately unveiled at the moment, it’s likely that nothing much will actually happen in the end. If it did, then the place would be full in no time at all given the constant arrivals.

There would probably be claims that Northeye will just process and move on detainees quickly but the last time it was tried, in another location, it didn’t work. That approach had to be abandoned in favour of blocking all available hotels nationwide, depressing local economies and putting people out of work.

Have you read....: Bexhill MP says his main concern with plans to accommodate asylum seekers in Northeye is that residents should feel safe