Families who have escaped from wars and persecution across Africa, Asia and The Middle East have been placed in a hotel on the edge of Bristol while they wait for the Home Office to recognise their status as refugees. The majority of the 60 residents at the Almondsbury Interchange Hotel, just outside of Bristol, have been living there since January and although they will have to leave the hotel in May, their future in the UK remains uncertain.
Residents said that the food is getting worse and the menu has not been adapted to accommodate those who are currently fasting for Ramadan. Some of the residents receive £8 per week, while others are given no money and say they have little agency in what they eat and cannot afford public transport.
Residents have complained that the renovation works at the hotel for the last three months have disturbed their sleep due to hammering and drilling. The shower and windows are said to be faulty and for those with children it has been particularly difficult as they have to share one room and have only started at the local primary school in the last few weeks.
