At the heart of the Cresta Court Hotel storm

‘Altrincham is a very pleasant community, but it’s never had anything to rattle it’

Dear readers — once upon a time, when you thought of Altrincham, you might have associated it with flat whites; high-flying grammar schools; the independent food market; the only non-city-centre Everyman and impressing the nerdiest beer enthusiast in your life by taking them to the Belgian Bar. These days, it carries rather less leisurely connotations. In November, just under 300 asylum seekers arrived in Altrincham and were housed in the Cresta Court Hotel. Since then, opposing groups have been demonstrating both against and in support of these men. So what does it feel like to live at the hotel amidst so much tension? We sent journalist Antonia Langford – who has graced august publications like the Guardian and the i Paper – to speak to the men housed in these hotels, and find out more.