Protesters have stopped a coach from moving 22 asylum seekers from a Kent hotel to the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge.

More than 100 Margate residents made a stand against the Home Office’s decision to transport 22 men from accommodation in Cliftonville to the Dorset-based vessel.

Led by Mayor Rob Yates, the supporters, under the banner of Block the Barge, came together today to support the asylum seekers – all of whom have been in the seaside town for seven months.

Following the protest, the government has reportedly backed down to allow the group – who are mainly Afghan – to stay in their digs.

Cllr Yates, who is also a Thanet District Council representative, said: “I’m proud how the community came together today to support these men that have become a part of Margate.

“I’ve been clear with the Home Office – if they send more coaches tomorrow we will be here, and every day after that.”

The hotel, which has been acquired by the Home Office, sleeps two ayslum seekers to a room and has been reported as having numerous issues such as ceilings falling down and less-than-acceptable food.

Protesters say the men have become part of the community, volunteering with a number of charities and groups such as Ark Cliftonville Cultural Space, Kent Coast Volunteering, 101 Social, the Windmill Community Gardens and the Turner Contemporary,

It was feared moving the group to Dorset would have severe detrimental effects to their physical and mental health, as well as putting them through another experience of displacement.

After letters to MPs and pleading to the Home Office failed, it was decided direct action was the only route left – with a non-violent protest set up.

From 11pm last night, there has been a constant vigil in a nearby café ready to step in should the vehicles of removal arrive.

The Block the Barge group remains on standby ready to sound the alarm should Home Office workers arrive in an attempt to move the men.

In February, a Home Affairs Committee carried out an investigation into the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Chair of the committee, Dame Diana Johnson, said MPs had been “disheartened to see some of the living conditions on the Bibby Stockholm”, saying they found “many individuals having to share small, cramped cabins (originally designed for one person), often with people (up to six) they do not know (some of whom spoke a different language to them)”.

“We are concerned that housing asylum claimants on Bibby Stockholm is leaving them in a claustrophobic environment, isolated from external support including legal advice, and without important links to community, faith or family potentially for months on end,” said Dame Johnson.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Hotel accommodation, which currently costs £8 million a day, has always been intended as a temporary solution to ensure the Home Office meets the statutory obligation to accommodate asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute during a period of unprecedented numbers of small boat arrivals.

“We continue to deliver our plans to significantly reduce the use of asylum hotels, closing 150 by beginning of May.”