Wakefield Council statement

“The alleged criminal incidents associated with Urban House in Wakefield are appalling. Vulnerable victims being preyed upon, creating fear in our community.

“The safety of local people is our number one priority. But I’m not sure that can be said about the recent actions of the Home Office. We need them to urgently listen to our local communities and do much more to prioritise the protection of vulnerable women and children.

“I’ve previously written to the Home Secretary calling for the closure of Cedar Court and highlighting the burden Urban House places on our local communities. I now demand the immediate closure of both.

“But I fear change is not going to come until the Government takes a different course and gets a grip on this. Until they do, Wakefield will not be the last place put at risk.”