A NEW induction centre for asylum seekers could be opened in Ipswich – but it will not lead to a new large hostel being developed in the town.The Home Office has asked a consortium of refugee agencies to develop the centre which will be used to disperse asylum seekers throughout the Eastern Counties.

A NEW induction centre for asylum seekers could be opened in Ipswich – but it will not lead to a new large hostel being developed in the town.

The Home Office has asked a consortium of refugee agencies to develop the centre which will be used to disperse asylum seekers throughout the Eastern Counties.

However Tom Davey from the Refugee Council in Ipswich said the asylum seekers would almost certainly continue to be housed in hostels and hotels around the town that are already in use.

"The development of an induction centre would not change things very much – except to allow asylum seekers to be processed more quickly than at present.

"There will be no more asylum seekers coming into the town than there are at present – only they will be dealt with and dispersed around the area more quickly.

"We certainly aren't talking about building a huge new reception centre in Ipswich," Mr Davey added.

Earlier this year a proposal to turn a former shop in Bramford Road into a hostel for asylum seekers was thrown out by planners after a furious reaction from local residents.

And there have been rumours about other buildings being converted into large hostels.

However Mr Davey said providing asylum seekers with accommodation in small units scattered around the town made it easier for them to integrate with society.