Portland Port boss Bill Reeves has played down concerns over rises in crime and anti-social behaviour as the Bibby Stockholm barge is set to arrive in the UK imminently.

It is understood the barge will be arriving in Falmouth in the coming days, where it will go through a statutory inspection ahead of its berthing on Portland in June.

A Home Office spokesperson said the barge would be inspected for any "necessary refurbishment and general maintenance".

It will not be used to house asylum seekers whilst in Falmouth.

Bill Reeves, chief executive of Portland Port, said that concerns were "unfounded" and that there is a "strong incentive for the refugees to be law-abiding" as they await asylum claims.

He said: “We understand that there are genuine concerns about the arrival of the accommodation facility for refugees at Portland.

“We wish to reassure local people that a great deal of effort and coordination is being carried out in relation to such issues as security, policing, health provision and other matters.”

The Port has confirmed Asylum seekers would have had their fingerprints and identities recorded by the Home Office before going aboard. They will also receive health screening for medical conditions.

The Home Office has said it is working with Dorset Police to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place.

It is also in discussions with the NHS about the potential range of on-site medical facilities, to help mitigate the impact on local health services.

Mr Reeves said: “There is a strong, vibrant and diverse tourist economy in the area which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area every year, among which the number of refugees will form a very small proportion.

“We have a strong vested interest in the safe operation of the facility for our business, local people and the refugees themselves.

“We believe that concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour have proven to be unfounded at accommodation sites elsewhere and there is no reason to expect any different here."

The Home Office has said it is talking to the local voluntary and community sector about providing a range of activities for asylum seekers, including exercise facilities and English language training.

Mr Reeves said: “There will be advice for the refugees about cultural sensitivities and behaviour. 

“In addition, some of the refugees coming to the Portland safe haven will have already been in the country for some time staying at hotels so they will have an understanding of UK culture and expectations.”  

Mr Reeves added: “We have been guided by the Home Office on confidentiality and the timing of announcements.

“Consultation is ongoing with elected representatives of local authorities and with other stakeholders, and we are also making as much information as possible publicly available on our website and through the media.”

The Home Office is also planning other accommodation facilities elsewhere in the UK.

Mr Reeves said: “Portland Port strongly believes that providing berthing space for the refugees’ accommodation is the right thing to do.

“There is a strong incentive for the refugees to be law-abiding because they are in the latter stages of their asylum assessment.

“They have no greater ambition than to be accepted in the UK after fleeing sometimes horrific situations.  I cannot think why people who have travelled thousands of miles and have risked their lives to get here would do anything to run the risk of their asylum claim being denied and them being deported.”

Mr Reeves added: “The port is a commercial business. The arrival of the facility will help to drive continued growth, secure more long-term jobs and generate future investment with benefits for the local economy.

“There may also be jobs created directly by the vessel operators as well as direct and indirect spend in the local supply chain.”

“We don’t anticipate any disruption to the tourism industry of the area and our cruise programme.