Image source, PA Media Image caption,

Portland Port was selected by the Home Office as a site for a migrant barge

By Dan Johnson

News correspondent

Portland in Dorset will be the first place in the country to house asylum seekers on a floating accommodation barge.

The Bibby Stockholm was moved out of dry dock in Falmouth, Cornwall, last week after a refit to accommodate up to 500 single men for at least the next 18 months. It is expected to be towed to Portland in the coming days.

The BBC's west of England correspondent Dan Johnson has been to see how people on the island are reacting to this new and controversial government policy.

"They think Portland's a dumping ground," Charles Richards says.

"They've dumped it here because they think we don't matter and they think we won't make a fuss. Portland has been treated with contempt."

The 78-year-old has lived his entire life on the island.

We settle on his garden wall overlooking the port where he worked for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), packing missiles. It seems everyone here is connected to the military or the prison service.

"Portland has always been exploited," he continues.