A Hale hotel is in line to be accommodation for asylum seekers, Trafford Council confirmed.

The authority was told by the Home Office of the decision, but was involved in 'no discussion'.

In a statement to The Messenger, a spokesperson said the council wrote to the government out of concern over the use of the hotel, the Britannia Ashley on Ashley Road. They stressed their role is limited to support for asylum seekers with their 'immediate needs'.

The statement to The Messenger reads: "The Home Office has informed us that it will be temporarily housing a number of asylum seekers in the Britannia Ashley in Hale. 

"While we recognise the pressures on the asylum system there has been no discussion with us about the proposals. Our role is limited to supporting them with their immediate needs, including healthcare and safeguarding.

"We have written to the Home Office to make the point that while we understand the pressures on the asylum system, we believe it is not suitable to use hotels in this way. 

"There needs to be greater involvement in the planning of their policy with local councils and the NHS before sites are selected."

The number of asylum seekers is not confirmed, although it is reported to be more than 100.

In an interview with BBC North West Tonight on January 5, the evening of a meeting organised by the local civic society, Sir Graham Brady MP said the Britannia Ashley was 'the worst possible place' to accommodate them.

A Government spokesperson said the use of hotels, which is estimated to cost the taxpayer more than £5 million per day, is 'unacceptable', but stressed it is a temporary solution to record numbers of arrivals into the country.

They said: "The number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum system under incredible strain. 

"The use of hotels is a temporary solution, and we are working hard with local authorities to find the appropriate accommodation."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.