CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a three-star hotel in Sittingbourne into an induction centre for asylum seekers have been put on hold.

The Home Office has confirmed that asylum seekers will not be moving into the Coniston Hotel on January 29 as planned.

It follows widespread criticism by residents, councillors, Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Derek Wyatt (Lab) and even Home Secretary David Blunkett over the lack of public consultation.

The National Asylum Support Service had struck a deal with a firm called Accommodata to run the centre, which would see more than 100 asylum seekers stay at the hotel in London Road for up to 10 days.

A Home Office spokeswoman said a proper consultation process would now be conducted with residents, the local authority and other agencies before a final decision is made whether or not to proceed with the plans.

The issue was highlighted in the Commons by Opposition leader Iain Duncan Smith during Prime Ministers' Questions. The Tory leader challenged Tony Blair over the controversy surrounding the way the scheme had been handled.

He said: "On Sunday, the Home Office announced its new policy, on Monday that was reversed. On Tuesday, ministers blamed officials. It seems another week when the lunatics took over the asylum policy of this Government."

Mr Duncan Smith told Parliament that Mr Wyatt had described the asylum policy as 'out to lunch'. Mr Blair responded: "Let me make it clear there was inadequate and wrong use of the consultation procedures.

"I entirely understand the concern of Mr Wyatt and his constituents which is why the minister has addressed the issue."

A public meeting is still scheduled to go ahead on Friday despite constantly evolving political wrangling. The meeting, called by Swale Borough Council, will be chaired by Major David Ramsey from the Salvation Army in the Wyvern Hall, Central Avenue, at 7pm.

There is room for 300 members of the public and the police will be on duty to ensure everyone's safety.

There will be speakers from the National Asylum Support Service, the borough council, Kent County Council, Swale Primary Care Trust, Swale Police and Amnesty International.

A council spokeswoman told would-be members of the public wishing to attend not to worry if they cannot get in. She said: "This is a fact finding exercise, not a protest. The purpose is to allow members of the public the opportunity to find out more about the proposals.

"If there are large numbers of people who cannot get in, we will hold future meetings."