Stan Collymore's rant about his hometown Cannock sparks fierce debate
Stan Collymore's comments blaming Cannock people for his hometown's problems, not asylum-seekers, has sparked a fierce debate.
The former footballer told people complaining about the asylum seekers living in the town's hotels they were ignoring a "once vibrant" Cannock which was now "a shell" due to residents leaving their houses in dressing gowns, local politicians and crime.
The mixed race pundit pointed out 97.4 per cent of the population were white so the problems "can't be the fault of 200 asylum seekers".
Replying to the post on X, formerly Twitter, the majority of people from the Staffordshire town agreed the place had taken a turn for the worse in recent years. However, the majority of positive replies could also be down to the former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker blocking anyone who disagrees with his views over the years.
Tom Butcher said: "Well said Stan. I have lived in Cannock for over 20 years and have seen the decline. Total lack of investment apart from £3m on a 400mtr cycle lane. This has nothing to do with those in the hotels. Working class families have voted in a Conservative do-nothing MP. "
His comments sparked a fierce debate with arguments between Cannock folk who agree with his comments and other from across the country giving him abuse for claiming "asylum seekers aren't a problem". Many users threw back the footballers sins of the past including his dogging escapades on Cannock Chase.
The debate even included a contribution from someone who works in the hotels where the asylum seekers are housed.
Connor said: "Wow powerful and such true words spoken. I'm from NortoAs someone that works in one of these hotels (in Cannock) let me provide some insight:
"The money, food and residence they get they pay for. It works similarly to a student loan with grants and paying it back in installments after they leave.
"Some of them waste the opportunity and do nothing to make a life here but a majority are in college or work trying to make a better life for themselves (more so than these voters and drug addicts in the town).
"We face constant harassment from the public but I always see them with bright smiles. Our country is partly responsible for their war torn home. This is the absolute least we can do to repay that."
He added: "You learn a lot when you talk to the asylum seekers and home office 5 days a week. I just want the people of this town to realise the real issue that Stan highlighted; small towns with Tory MPs have been dying long before this hotel scheme started
Ella Greaves said: "Lived in Cannock all my life. Proud Daughter of a Coal Miner.
"I fully embrace asylum seekers living & hopefully building a better life for themselves & their families in my Community, just like my Parents embraced Polish Miners living & working here after the War. #StopTheHate."
The strong feeling about asylum seekers in the town surfaced during protests earlier this year which saw far right groups from across the country, including Patriotic Alternative, visit the town to help organise anti-immigration demonstrations in January and February.
The once plush Holiday Inn, which dominates the town's skyline, has totally been given over to asylum seekers by the Home Office causing anger among some local people.
Ryan Todd, had the solution asking Stan: "Ever thought of becoming the MP for Cannock?"