Protest and counter protest held at hotel said to house asylum seekers

Crowds gathered at the Park Hotel in Chichester for the third Friday in a row.

Anti-migrant demonstrators waved flags and demanded repatriation.

(Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) On the other side of a roundabout in front of the hotel, counter protestors called for unity and peace.

Green Party councillor Sarah Sharp said: “I think we need to make a stand and show not everybody is represented by the far right.

“They are taking over the flag and setting the agenda at the moment. There are mostly families, women and children in this hotel.

Counter protesters gathered opposite the hotel.  (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) One of the counter protestors signs read “Please do not scare them”. (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) “It is important we are not walked over and we show the refugees they do have support and we stand for love, compassion, dignity and we welcome people.

“It’s a whole different value system.

“We have a Christian belief system and we should stand up and practise those values.”

Numbers were down on previous weeks.

Police made one arrest in Chichester last week after counter protestors were intimidated as they tried to leave the scene.

Officers have confirmed that no arrests were made last night (August 29).

Crowds gathered at the Park Hotel in Chichester for the third Friday in a row. (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) Flags have also appeared in Brighton.

The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council spoke out after St George’s flags and Union Jacks were attached to lampposts in the city centre.

Bella Sankey said it is “normal council procedure” to remove items attached to roundabouts, as well as rectify “defaced roundabouts”.

Cllr Sankey said: “We proudly fly the Union flag outside our town halls and recognise the importance of the flag of St George as a symbol of national pride.

“We’ve very proud to be hosting two matches in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Brighton and Hove, including our Red Roses.

“When it comes to items attached to lampposts or defaced roundabouts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.

“As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask that they are not attached to street furniture.”