Members of Bridport Refugee Support Campaign have said refugees and asylum seekers are "welcome" in Dorset, after the government announced plans to house 500 asylum seekers on a barge berthed at Portland port.

The controversial plans were announced by the Home Office last week, with the government saying that the barge would reduce the reliance on expensive hotels – currently costing £6million a day – and deliver a more orderly, cost effective and sustainable asylum accommodation system.

The scheme is said to be an important step in progressing the Prime Minister and Home Secretary's priority to "stop the boats", but plans for the barge, called 'Bibby Stockholm' , have been heavily criticised.  

Conservative South Dorset MP Richard Drax, whose constituency, includes Portland, said the barge was being "dumped on our door" and Portland harbour was not the right place for it.

He has threatened to take legal action against the decision.

But members of Bridport Refugee Support Campaign said the local MP was opposed to the idea for "all the wrong reasons".

"They're not concerned that asylum seekers are vulnerable people who have undertaken risky journeys in search of safety," said a statement released by the group.

"They forget that to seek asylum is not illegal but a human right.

"We are horrified that the government is contemplating this move instead of dealing with the enormous backlog of claims which, if dealt with, would mean this country could contribute to the resettlement of asylum seekers.

"Our work has shown that Dorset welcomes refugees and asylum seekers. We care. Your readers care. We want our elected representatives to care too."

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said: "The Home Secretary and I have been clear that the use of expensive hotels to house those making unnecessary and dangerous journeys must stop. We will not elevate the interests of illegal migrants over the British people we are elected to serve.

"We have to use alternative accommodation options, as our European neighbours are doing – including the use of barges and ferries to save the British taxpayer money and to prevent the UK becoming a magnet for asylum shoppers in Europe.

"All accommodation will meet our legal obligations and we will work closely with the local community to address their concerns, including through financial support.

Chief executive of Portland port, Bill Reeves, said: "We are keen to play our part in the national effort to house some of the thousands of people needing accommodation.

"We encourage everyone in the community to approach this with an open mind and help us show other areas just how successful this type of initiative can be, both for the migrants and the local community.

"There will be close co-operation with local agencies, including the health and emergency services during the preparations for the vessel's arrival and its operation. We will also work closely with local community and voluntary groups."

The 'Bibby Stockholm' barge will be berthed at Portland port for at least 18 months offering basic and functional accommodation, healthcare provision, catering facilities and 24/7 security to minimise the disruption to local communities.