A passionate rally against an asylum seeker barge on Portland is 'only the start', protesters say.

Emotions ran high when protesters took to the streets on Saturday against Home Office plans to house those seeking asylum on a barge at Portland Port.

Marching in support of asylum seekers, Stand Up to Racism Dorset (SURD) objects to the barge itself.

They were met by a number of protesters from a separate group who also opposed the barge. 

Both sets of protesters had the same dislike towards the barge's arrival in June - but the motivation behind their different views caused some exchanges between them at the protest.

Although police did not have to step in, officers kept a close eye on proceedings as the group was escorted to the port.

The controversial Bibby Stockholm barge will accommodate about 500 single adult males whilst their asylum claims are processed and is currently undergoing checks in Falmouth.

Candy Udin, a SURD member and speaker at the protest, rallied her supporters as protesters met up next to Victoria Square Roundabout.

Dorset Echo: Protesters gathered on Portland on Saturday afternoonProtesters gathered on Portland on Saturday afternoon (Image: Kieran Bell)

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, she lamented the Government for taking too long to process asylum seekers' claims.

"That is one priority, and the other is that people are coming over here in small boats because there aren't any safe routes," she said.

"Those are the two things I think the Government should do but in general, Portland needs more resources today before we have 500 more people."

Ms Udin added that there is 'alternative housing options' for asylum seekers instead of the barge as she told the rally that the protest was 'only the start' in opposing it. 

"I know housing is short but on the other hand there are a lot of empty houses and more humane spaces than what they are proposing," she said.

"To keep people almost locked up for 18 months when at the end of it their asylum claim may be accepted, why don't they just process the claim and those people can get on and work?"

Dorset Echo: The march made its way to Portland Port where more speeches were madeThe march made its way to Portland Port where more speeches were made (Image: Kieran Bell)

Ms Udin said she 'understands there is lots of anger about the issue'.

"Everybody is united in opposing the barge," she explained. "But the trouble is some people are seeing the refugees as to blame.

"We don't need more hate, we need some practical solutions. If there are going to be 500 people here, hating them is going to be a very bad thing.

"If we all united, we would be a bigger force for good."

Julie Croley, from Dorchester, was part of a separate protest and raised concerns about the lack of consultation with local people on the barge plan.

Like Ms Udin, she too hit out at the Home Office for its backlog in dealing with asylum claims. 

"I don't even live in Weymouth and Portland but I am very concerned about the impact," she said. 

"A lot of local people are feeling scared, concerned, even saying they are going to leave. And that is completely wrong.

"The Government are hellbent on these situations happening all over the country and what concerns me massively is the fact they are not giving any consultation. 

"They [asylum seekers] should not be in this situation - and we don't want them to be in this situation. There are many other areas away from populations where these people can be housed.

"Is it really going to get to the point where people will block this and they will do what they can to stop it?"

Portland Port said it was 'pleased the march took place without incident' as it assured people that work is being done to ensure the barge is operated in a 'safe, secure and successful way'.

The Home Office has said the plans will 'reduce the reliance on expensive hotels' and deliver a 'more cost-effective asylum accommodation system'. 

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow and requires us to look at a range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels. 

“This is why we will be using alternative accommodation options, such as barges, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing.

“We are continuing to work extremely closely with Dorset council and key partners including the local NHS and Police services to manage any impact in Portland and address the local communities concerns, including through financial support.”