Winford Manor, a 17th-century country estate in North Somerset, has been repurposed as a holding centre for asylum seekers by the Home Office since September 2022. Despite nearly three years of operation, official records show no complaints have been filed to local authorities.
Originally a luxury hotel and wedding venue, Winford Manor has a long and varied history — from religious retreat to boutique hotel — before its current role housing migrants from diverse countries including Eritrea, Syria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somaliland, and Georgia.
The transition was publicly announced at a parish council meeting in September 2022, where 56 members of the local community voiced numerous concerns. Topics ranged from the lack of community consultation and planning permissions to questions about the asylum seekers’ demographics, safety measures, cultural integration, and access to services such as education and healthcare.
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At the meeting, the parish council admitted receiving limited information from the Home Office and local council, with no detailed briefings provided. It was confirmed that the asylum seekers, including children aged 3-14, were at early stages of the asylum process, posed no danger, and were free to leave the property but were not allowed to work. Schooling arrangements were made in Bristol, with daily transportation provided for children.
Subsequent parish council meetings up to early 2025 showed no formal complaints or safety incidents reported in official minutes. A community minibus service to nearby locations operated intermittently but eventually ceased, without prompting grievances.
However, recent media coverage by former MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who visited the estate in a high-profile GB News segment, prompted some local residents to express renewed anxieties. Neighbours cited feelings of insecurity and alleged intimidation, particularly towards young women, as well as pressures on local healthcare resources. Claims of anti-social behaviour, including a stabbing and abusive conduct, were mentioned but could not be corroborated by local police.
Long-time resident Ross Harris criticized Rees-Mogg’s surprise at the centre’s existence, noting the asylum seekers have been housed there for over three years, a fact well-known in the village. Harris remarked that changes occurred abruptly but are not new news, with many locals disapproving of the lack of transparency.
Tony Gould, a nearby resident, expressed frustration over the transformation of the estate and the opacity surrounding its occupants. Since the centre’s establishment, Gould has invested heavily in home security due to concerns about safety and communication gaps with the Home Office and council. He stated the family has seriously contemplated relocating to avoid ongoing uncertainties.
While some villagers believe the facility has affected community cohesion, official channels report no documented complaints or incidents. The Home Office and North Somerset Council have yet to publicly address recent allegations or provide updates on Winford Manor’s current status as an asylum seeker centre.