The arrival of the primary asylum seekers on the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge has been delayed till subsequent week on the earliest, Sky News understands.

The vessel, which has been opposed by the native MP and residents, arrived in Portland on the coast of Dorset final week.

In a tweet on 18 July saying its arrival, the Home Office mentioned: "Next week the first asylum seekers will be moved to the vessel as part of a carefully structured plan which will increase the numbers gradually."

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However, it's understood extra work is required to make the vessel able to accommodate the primary arrivals.

The 222 bed room barge will begin housing the primary 50 single males subsequent week on the earliest.

It is predicted to finally home 500 people who find themselves presently staying in motels.

The authorities has been searching for out new lodging for asylum seekers, together with those that cross the Channel in small boats, claiming the resort invoice to accommodate them has hit £6m a day.

As effectively because the barge, it has taken over former navy bases, and reviews have even suggested large marquees could be used.

But ministers have confronted a backlash from native residents, councils and MPs if their areas have been chosen for the brand new websites.

Chris Loder, the Tory MP for West Dorset, has demanded to see safety reports for the Bibby Stockholm and claimed it's going to home double the quantity of individuals it's designed to carry.

Concerns have additionally been raised concerning the impression on native companies like police and healthcare.

In addition, charities have branded the plan "cruel" and claimed refugees shall be topic to "detention-like" situations.

However, the Home Office has denied the barge is sort of a "floating prison" and mentioned the folks on board could be "free to come and go as they want".

The Bibby Stockholm can have 24-hour safety and accommodate single males solely, who will sleep in bunk beds with between two and 6 folks per en-suite room.

A canteen, fitness center, classroom, train yards, tv room and area for worship are among the "basic" facilities on board.

A nurse may even be stationed on the barge 5 days per week, with asylum seekers gaining access to a physician if wanted.

The barge arrived within the Dorset port a month delayed after upkeep work - which included mechanical repairs and including extra beds to spice up capability - was carried out in Falmouth, Cornwall.

It shall be operational for a minimum of 18 months, with Dorset Council given £2m in a funding package deal to satisfy the price of offering companies to residents.