A clerical error has been blamed for a Government U-turn on housing asylum seekers at a seafront hotel in Saltdean.

The Home Office apologised to Brighton and Hove City Council for indicating the Grand Ocean Hotel, Saltdean, would not be used to house emergency arrivals.

Council chief executive David Panter was told during a meeting with Home Office officials yesterday that a letter sent to the authority last year wrongly gave the impression the hotel would not be used.

The emergency meeting, also attended by members of Sussex health and police authorities, was called after The Argus revealed on Saturday the hotel would be used as an induction centre for small numbers of asylum seekers.

Mr Panter said: "We were very clear with them about what we were told, that this was not going to be pursued any further.

"We were told this was unfortunately a clerical error and the letter should not have given that information. Apologies have been given."

Council chiefs were told that Harrow-based company Leena Homes Ltd had been in talks with the Home Office to use the hotel since the autumn.

It would be used as an induction centre for professionally qualified asylum seekers recently arrived in Britain.

The move is part of an attempt to streamline the system and asylum seekers are expected to spend no more than ten days at Saltdean before being moved.

Mr Panter said: "I think it is a question of weeks and months before we have it up and running, if the thing goes ahead and that is not clear yet.

"We want to make sure residents and local groups are kept informed.

"We don't want there to be any secrets about this.

"As we get more information we will make it available."

News of the move has provoked an angry response from many local residents.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Theletter was a mistake, a simple clerical mistake, and it is something we regret.

"But it does not mean we won't go through with any plans that are being discussed."

Leena Homes would not comment, saying all inquiries should be directed to the Home Office.