Asylum seeker welcome packs denied entry to Portland barge

Members of the Portland Global Friendship Group had put together welcome packs for asylum seekers who were returning to the Bibby Stockholm barge.

The bags contained toiletries including razors, deodorant and toothbrushes, a map and contact details of local charities and support groups.

The welcome packs were ready to be taken to Portland Port (Image: Tom Lawrence)

However, these welcome packs were not allowed to be taken past the port gates after campaigners were told the port “would not be in a position to accept passengers”.

Heather, who did not give her surname, from Portland Global Friendship Group said she had been told that she would not be able to deliver the care packages to the residents of the barge.

She said: "It is a real shame because we worked hard to put these packages together for every one of the asylum seekers, but at this point, we are not even surprised."

In August the care packages were delivered to the port and subsequently the barge by a van with clearance which was driven by Bournemouth Councillors Chris Rigby and Alasdair Keddie.

BCP Councillors Chris Rigby and Alasdair Keddie (Image: Tom Lawrence)

A port spokesperson said: “Groups or organisations wishing to deliver care packages should do so through the Multi-Agency Forum (MAF), which comprises local, regional and national representatives from Dorset Council, local NHS, Dorset Police, public agencies and community organisations.

"The relevant MAF subgroup would then arrange to collect care packages as appropriate, which is why the port is unable to take receipt of care packages directly.”