After nearly a year of housing migrants on a barge off the Dorset coast, people have been reacting to the news that the Bibby Stockholm is set to close.

The closure has been described as 'fantastic news' by the area's newly-elected Labour MP, Lloyd Hatton.

Residents and campaigners also shared their thoughts with the BBC.

The Bibby Stockholm faced criticism last year from campaigners concerned about the conditions on board and from residents who claimed it would strain local resources.

'Obviously, for many of them, their mental health is paramount, and they had awful trouble on the Stockholm - but I am going to miss them.

There's no two ways about it.

'At the time, the government stated that 'using vessels as alternative accommodation, like our European neighbours are already doing, will be better value for British taxpayers and more manageable for communities than costly hotels.

' They added that officials were working 'extremely closely' with local partners to 'minimize disruption for local residents, including through substantial financial support.

'Sandy West, Portland's former mayor, said bringing the barge to the island had been a 'daft decision.

' 'They're not horrendous - some of it is basic, obviously the cabins are small, but they've got everything they need, they're well looked after.

'Giovanna Lewis, from the Portland Global Friendship Group, said the men felt the barge was like a 'quasi-prison.

' She said she received 'lots of celebratory emojis' in messages from those on board when they heard of the Bibby Stockholm's impending closure.

'We have pictures of insects in food, food under-cooked.

We've had pictures of bedbugs in the rooms,' Ms.

Lewis told the BBC.

MP Mr.

Hatton said he believed the barge was 'at capacity,' with about 500 male migrants living on board.

'I campaigned relentlessly to see it shut down, and I'm really pleased to be able to say this is a promise made, and now a promise kept.

' The reassurance is that those cases will be looked at pace, and this will mean that a decision will be made as to whether or not they will be safely and smoothly returned, or they will be here working, contributing, paying taxes, and being part of society.