Calais plans ‘new Sangatte’ for migrants

A DAY centre for “vulnerable” people ­desperate to get to ­Britain will be set up in Calais.

Desperate migrants queue for food in Calais this week Desperate migrants queue for food in Calais this week [REUTERS]

French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said it was a ­“humanitarian” response to the town’s migrant crisis, ­and would ­provide medical and other facilities for mothers and ­children.

He said yesterday police reinforcements had also been sent to cope with a new surge in violence between rival gangs trying to board lorries to the UK.

But some are worried the centre could turn into another Sangatte, the swamped Red Cross facility that was closed in 2002.

Mr Cazeneuve said it would not encourage more migrants.

Up to 450 police will be ­enforcing even tougher security measures.

I’m in favour if operating rules are clear, ­everyone ­demonstrates responsibility for security and it’s protected from savage ­behaviour

Bernard Cazeneuve

The facility will be in a leisure centre with kitchens to cater for 500 plus heating and toilets.

There are no sleeping facilities.

Mr Cazeneuve told La Voix du Nord newspaper: “I’m in favour if operating rules are clear, ­everyone ­demonstrates responsibility for security and it’s protected from savage ­behaviour.

“We will make sure the building of illegal camps is stopped.”

He said asylum applications would be processed quickly and asylum-seekers given shelter throughout France.

A ministry ­spokesman said the local council would pay for the centre – although Britain has already paid £12million to boost ­security in the overrun town.

Yesterday, 2,300 migrants were confirmed to be in Calais – up from 1,500 at the end of summer.

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