100 migrants found in unsafe premises in Sealand, Flintshire

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-32023425

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Around 100 migrant workers have been rehoused after being found to be living in "grossly unsuitable and unsafe premises" in Flintshire.

The premises in Deeside Lane, Sealand, were immediately closed and the tenants taken to two reception centres, including one at Holywell Leisure Centre, said Flintshire council.

The authority led a multi agency operation on Sunday involving police.

None of the people involved were illegal immigrants, said the authority.

Health officials and the British Red Cross were involved in the operation.

Council chief executive Colin Everett said many of the migrant workers "expressed their relief that they are now able to access welfare advice and support having lived in such horrendous conditions".

"The longer term plan for these vulnerable and exploited workers involves either repatriation to their home country, dispersal to work elsewhere in the UK, or their re-location," he said.

Temporary rehousing is being offered to those who wish to remain locally.

Mr Everett said: "The premises in Sealand are no longer able to be used now that prohibition notices have been served and prosecution action against the owners is under consideration."