Portestors have once again gathered above Falmouth Docks to protest the refit of the Bibby Stockholm barge for asylum seekers.

The Bibby Stockholm arrived in Falmouth from Italy last week for a refit to provide accommodation from asylum seekers coming across the channel.

Falmouth Packet: Bibby Stockholm protest 'Fix the asylum system not a floating prison'Bibby Stockholm protest 'Fix the asylum system not a floating prison' (Image: Freelance)

It is part of the givernment's efforts to cut the cost of accommodating the many people coming across the channel and seeking asylum in the UK.

Once the barge is refitted it will sail to its final destination in the Port of Portland in Dorset where more protests are expected.

Protest organisers say the barge is being refitted with the purpose of "detaining and imprisoning some of the most targeted and racialised people in our society."

The protest at the viewing platform on Pendennis Rise above the docks was under the banner 'Resist Border Violence - Together Against Floating Prisons!'

Falmouth Packet: Safe and legal routes nowSafe and legal routes now (Image: Jory Mundy)

One of the organising groups Cornwall Resists said: "Our community - like so many others across the U.K. - recognises the british government’s complicity in human rights abuses like the Bibby Stockholm. Together, we refuse to stand by and watch it happen - and we choose to act in solidarity with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.

"It’s been emotional and empowering to see so much support coming in for the demonstration on Sunday, and we wanted to share that with everyone, and shout out all of the incredible local organisations who have confirmed their support for the protest against the Bibby Stockholm so far."

Bibby Stockholm barge is expected to arrive at Portland Port in early to mid June. Around 50 asylum seekers will arrive soon after as part of a staggered entry.

Falmouth Packet: Safe and legal routes nowSafe and legal routes now (Image: Jory Mundy)

The barge is eventually proposed to house more than 500 men in 220 berths.

The barge will be at Portland Port for at least 18 months and will house only single adult male asylum seekers in the latter stages of their asylum applications.

Housing migrants in hotels has soared to more than £6m a day as the Government tries to reduce housing costs as well as tackle a backlog in asylum claims.