01-05-2025
Wall's Club asylum seeker letter is fake, says MP
A letter circulating on social media claiming a former social club in Gloucester is to be used as a sports facility for asylum seekers is fake, the local MP says.
The hoax document, which claims to be from the Home Office, falsely claims the Wall's Social Club, in Barnwood, which closed on 31 March after 60 years, will be repurposed later this month.
Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre said the Home Office had confirmed to him the letter was a "complete fabrication". "It has been reported to Meta and will be reported to the police," he said.
He added it was the second time in recent months that someone had shared a hoax letter from a government department to try and "sow division" in Gloucester.
"I have been made aware this evening of a fake letter about the future of the Wall's Club circulating on Facebook," McIntyre said.
"I have confirmed with colleagues in the Home Office that this letter is a hoax and a complete fabrication.
"This is the second time in recent months that someone has shared a hoax letter from a government department in Gloucester to try to sow division in our city.
"It is not acceptable and people in our city deserves better."
Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucester City Council, which are listed as recipients of the hoax letter, have also confirmed it is fake. They also say neither authority has received the false letter.
A county council spokesperson said: "We've been made aware of a letter claiming to be from the Home Office to Gloucester City and Gloucestershire County Councils.
"The letter is fake. Neither council has received the letter.
"The Home Office has confirmed to the MP for Gloucester that they've issued no such letter."
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Social club to close after more than 60 years
Home Office
