Last Friday afternoon Andrew Mitchell MP visited the Ramada hotel, formerly Penns Hall in Walmley to meet refugees who fled Afghanistan in the recent airlift.
The 500 bed Sutton hotel is currently operating as a quarantine centre for those travelling from red zone countries. The hotel presently has approximately 200 Afghans that have been rescued following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last month.
Following a Covid test, Andrew was shown around the hotel and met members of staff. He saw the huge number of clothes, toys and other items that have so generously and kindly been donated by Suttonians in recent days.
As part of his visit, Andrew met an Afghan family who had approached him for help following their evacuation from Kabul by the RAF on 18th August. They left Afghanistan with only the clothes they were wearing.
Andrew Mitchell said:
“I would like to thank the team at the Ramada for all they are doing to support Afghan refugees and others who are undertaking enforced quarantine. Jamie Hitchins and his team are looking after traumatised people so carefully and decently.
“The local community has been incredibly generous with their donations in particular with basic foods, clothes and games which have been so generously but unsurprisingly provided by people from Sutton Coldfield. It is a tribute to the generosity of our local community. I will be following up on a number of specific points with Birmingham City Council and the Home Office following my visit.
“I have asked the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council to consider providing minor funds if there are needs which are not being met by the State or by other generous support from my constituents. I am very pleased by the supportive approach the Town Council is taking. ”
Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council said:
“The Town Council stands ready to provide help and support, on behalf of our community, in whatever ways are needed. We are in contact with the various groups helping at the Ramada and will continue to work with them over coming weeks.”
