By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
The Green Party is calling for authorities to prevent protests from continuing outside the Highfield House Hotel, where asylum seekers are housed.
Article continues after this message...
Green councillor Matthew Renyard said there had been a summer of “inaction and failure” over the protests.
His comments come after an arson attack at the hotel last weekend.
The Coxford ward member wants police and the council to do more over the protests that have continued to take place outside the Highfield Lane site.
The authorities said people have a right to lawful protest and their priority is public safety.
Cllr Renyard said protesters were being allowed to “freely hold the local community to ransom”.
He said he did not know why usual restrictions associated to protest had not been upheld, such as demonstrations being located in a manageable open space.
Speaking on behalf of the Southampton & District Green Party, Cllr Renyard, pictured left, said: “We believe that this is now the time for both the police and the city council to remove permission for a continuance of these protests for the protection and safety of both local residents and those within the hotel and that there should be public scrutiny into the decision making that has allowed such escalation during this period by both the local police and the city council administration and their responsibility to the wellbeing and safety of all Southampton citizens.”
A Southampton City Council spokesperson said they acknowledged the concerns being expressed by members of the community regarding the protests near the hotel.
The council spokesperson said: “People have the right to lawfully express their views, and we respect peaceful demonstrations as an important part of democratic society.
“The council is working closely with the police to ensure that protests remain lawful and safe for all residents, visitors, and those staying at the hotel.
“Our priority is to prevent any escalation into more serious disturbances and to maintain peace and safety in the area.
“We do not currently have the legal authority to prevent law-abiding protests from taking place. However, anyone who breaks the law during these events will be identified and dealt with appropriately through the criminal justice system.”
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: “Everyone has the right to free speech and lawful protest, which we have a legal responsibility to uphold.
“Officers liaise with organisers both ahead of gatherings and during a demonstration.
“Our priority with protests is always public safety.
“Policing these events requires us to balance the rights of those lawfully protesting, and the rights of others to go about their lives without being subject to unacceptable disruption, whilst keeping the public safe.”
As reported, police are investigating after a flare was thrown into a ground floor window of the Highfield House Hotel at around 2am on Sunday, September 7.
Officers are searching for two masked men who were seen fleeing the scene.
The city council has bolstered security at the hotel following the incident, including enhanced patrols, restrictions on public access and improved CCTV.
Photo of Cllr Renyard: SCC
This article is from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Some alterations and additions may have been made by our site - a partner in the BBC's Local News Partnerships scheme. BBC-funded LDRS journalists cover local authorities and public service organisations, with content shared by all partners.