Police issue statement ahead of planned Mold protest over asylum housing plan
Police in Flintshire say they are working closely with organisers ahead of protests planned in Mold on Saturday, 23 August, amid continuing public concern over the use of town centre flats to house asylum seekers.
South Flintshire Police issued a statement confirming they are aware of the plans for a peaceful protest and have been in contact with organisers to ensure the demonstration takes place safely and lawfully.
A spokesperson said: “We respect the democratic right to protest and we have no reason to expect disorder, but will deal robustly with anyone who chooses to commit criminal offences.”
A counter-protest, organised by anti-racism groups, is also expected to take place on the same day.
The protests relate to the Home Office’s use of flats above the Poundland store in Mold town centre, formerly the Ambrose Lloyd Centre, as a dispersal unit for asylum seekers.
The site, with capacity for 35 people across nine flats, has been approved specifically for family accommodation.
While no one has moved in yet, the property is now formally part of the UK Government’s asylum housing network.
Mold Town Council has said it was not consulted about the decision, and has have no control over the site’s use.
“The Home Office manages asylum seeker accommodation directly and does not inform local elected members about specific placements,” the council said in a recent update.
Flintshire Council leader Cllr Dave Hughes sought to address what he described as “inaccurate information” circulating locally.
“This is not a Council project,” he said. “No vote took place, no councillors were consulted. The property is being used by the Home Office through Clearsprings – not the Council. Any complaints must be directed to the Home Office or the building owner.”
Clearsprings Ready Homes is a private firm contracted by the Home Office to provide asylum seeker accommodation across Wales and southern England.
Operating under long-term deals worth over £1 billion, it works with property owners and agencies to deliver housing and support.
The company has faced criticism over housing standards but remains one of the UK’s largest providers in this sector.
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