A restaurant that was forced to close because of a migrant hotel next door has been taken over by homeless squatters highlighting the Government’s « double standards ». Ceno Bar and Restaurant in Southampton made headlines as it closed its doors for good this week, blaming the asylum seeker hotel that adjoins it for causing repeated issues. Now, just days later, the empty restaurant has been occupied by homeless people who would otherwise be forced to sleep rough in freezing temperatures.
Local support worker Russ Kitching, 64, says the makeshift shelter – which shares the same building as the migrant hotel – « highlights the double standard of government funding for migrants instead of our own local homeless ». Ceno Bar said earlier this week that Highfield House, which is home to « 100 illegal immigrants », was behind its New Year’s Day closure because occupants kept damaging the business’ premises.
Mr Kitching, who previously supplied soft drinks for the venue, says Highfield House was « a very nice hotel and restaurant that had been in business for 20 years » until asylum seekers were housed there.
He has demanded that the restaurant be compensated for the « forced closure » and the space officially allocated as a night shelter for Southampton’s homeless population.
The 64-year-old says there are currently three homeless people living in the building, with more undergoing vetting so they can move in – and is hoping to « pressure » the freeholder into allowing them to stay.
One of the people squatting in the disused Ceno Bar and Restaurant is Steven Perring, 69, a retired teacher who was made homeless last month after he fell on hard times and was evicted by his landlord.
« The mission is to secure the Portswood homeless people accommodation and hopefully bring awareness about homelessness, » Mr Kitching said. « Last night was -8C and this would have been spent in a car park for Steven. »
« I spent Christmas volunteering with Crisis in London, but then I saw the opportunity here, » he continued. « People are falling through the gaps all the time and local people are being left behind.
« We’re hoping to put pressure on the council and the freeholder to allow homeless people to take shelter here. »
Mr Kitching added that he has « no problem » with cultural integration within society but believes the Government must rethink its approach to people who have entered the country illegally.
A spokesperson for the restaurant said earlier this week that Highfield Hotel had « ignored our communication, [failed to] assist with ongoing damage caused by the hotel residents and locked the car park for many months, meaning our customers have been unable to park and access the restaurant ».
Andy Frampton, cabinet member for housing operations at Southampton City Council, said: « Southampton City Council is aware of reports relating to the use of a vacant building adjoining Highfield House.
« We have not authorised or endorsed the use of the building as a homeless shelter. Any contact by council officers has been limited to responding to enquiries and understanding the situation.
« We have not approved the operation of the site. Responsibility for the lawful use and safety of the building rests with the property owner. Southampton City Council continues to support people who are at risk of homelessness or homeless through established housing pathways. »
Addressing the earlier closure of the restaurant, a Home Office spokesperson said: « We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. This government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well underway, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.
« We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across-government so that we can accelerate delivery. »
A spokesperson for the Hampshire Constabulary added: « Our local neighbourhood policing team have regular contact with businesses in the area, and have made near-weekly visits to Cenos in recent months to try and engage with them and understand if there are any issues they want to raise or discuss with us.
« However, no concerns have been raised with our team on these visits. We are also not aware of any incidents of criminal damage. »
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