Edward Moore House Protest

Protesters gather outside Gravesham Borough Council offices.

Friday 26th July 2024. Civic Centre, Gravesend.

Gravesend residents gathered outside the Civic Centre in Gravesend, objecting to the proposed opening of a home for unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children.

Edward Moore House was a former care home bought by Kent County Council (KCC) and is currently being redeveloped.

Cllr. Shane Mochrie-Cox addressed the residents' concerns and advised them to take their protest to KCC directly.

The group spoke with Gravesham Council's leader, Cllr John Burden, and Deputy Leader, Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox. The councillors explained that KCC had purchased the former care home against the wishes of Gravesham Borough Council.

Some of the protesters' banners suggest there could be a danger to the community from the UAS children.

In a letter to local residents KCC explained that the High Court had ruled that KCC "must take 'every possible step' to increase its capacity across the county to accommodate and look after all unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children that arrive". The letter also said that "KCC used the Central Government funding, agreed specifically for the acquisition of property to accommodate UAS children…".

Cllr Mochrie-Cox listens to residents' concerns.