Epping hotel can continue to house asylum seekers, high court rules

Local council unsuccessful in stopping use of Bell hotel in Essex, which became a flashpoint for protests this summer

Asylum seekers can continue to be housed at an Essex hotel that became a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests during the summer, the high court has ruled.

Lawyers for the local district council had sought a permanent injunction against the current use of the Bell hotel in Epping, arguing at the high court that it was a feeding ground for unrest and protest".