An anti-racism group will be out in full force later in the year to show its support for the refugees outside a controversial hotel housing migrants.

The 'Stand Up to Racism Group Norwich' will be holding a community demonstration in support of refugees who are currently being sheltered at the Best Western Brook Hotel in Barnard Road, Bowthorpe.

The event on July 1 is on the same day that an anti-migrant protest is planned by a group calling themselves East Anglian Patriots and comes amid rising tensions in Costessey relating to migrants in the area.

Last month inflammatory graffiti sprayed on to the roundabout overlooking the hotel saying 'migrants out' was branded "hateful and unacceptable".

Norwich Evening News: Last month, anti-migrant graffiti was sprayed on to the roundabout opposite the Best Western Brook HotelLast month, anti-migrant graffiti was sprayed on to the roundabout opposite the Best Western Brook Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

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One member of the anti-racist contingent is Raleigh Chiwuta, who moved to the UK in 2001 as an immigrant before moving to Norfolk in 2015.

The 38-year-old radiographer and author said: "There's quite a bit of far right activity happening in the area with more groups starting to crop up.

"As far as we know there's been leafletting to spread the anti-migrant hostility and it seems to be finding a voice.

"However it's something we want to stand up to.

Norwich Evening News: Raleigh Chiwuta, a radiographer and author, is part of the 'Stand Up to Racism Group Norwich'Raleigh Chiwuta, a radiographer and author, is part of the 'Stand Up to Racism Group Norwich' (Image: Raleigh Chiwuta)

"Our position has always been to tackle racism and stand up for people, like immigrants and refugees, in their time of need.

"Coming from an immigrant background myself I personally know how painful it is.

"We're just standing up for the voiceless because bad things happen when good people do nothing."

Norwich Evening News: The Best Western Brook Hotel, located in Barnard Road, BowthorpeThe Best Western Brook Hotel, located in Barnard Road, Bowthorpe (Image: Newsquest)

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Costessey town councillor, Gary Blundell, added: "I think there's already way too much hate, so anything which shows solidarity is a good thing.

"The city is made up of so many different ethnic backgrounds so we want people to know that, no matter where in Norwich, refugees and immigrants are welcome."

Norwich Evening News: Gary Blundell, Costessey Town Councillor said he thinks there's already so much hateGary Blundell, Costessey Town Councillor said he thinks there's already so much hate (Image: Archant)