"UK Village Gripped by Fear as Migrant Hotels Multiply—Locals Too Scared to Take Out the Bins"

Gatwick Village Residents Say Asylum Hotels Are Driving Down House Prices and Quality of Life

In a quiet British village near Gatwick Airport, long-time residents say their peaceful way of life has been disrupted by the conversion of local hotels into accommodation for asylum seekers. Once known for its rolling countryside, golf course, and traditional pub, the village is now facing rising tension, with locals blaming the changes for falling property values and strained public services.

Historically, community concerns focused on airport-related issues like flight noise and traffic congestion. But over the past few years, two nearby hotels have been repurposed to house asylum seekers—sparking a different kind of debate.

Retired resident John MacCaulay, who lives opposite the Copthorne Hotel, shared his frustration: “We put this house on the market last year and for three months, no one came to view it. A neighbour down the street only just managed to sell his house—after more than a year on the market.”

Locals say the shift has left many feeling uneasy, with concerns not only about property prices but also the growing pressure on village resources and the changing character of the community.