DESPITE opposition from Warrington Borough Council and local MP Andy Carter, asylum seekers look set to move into the Fir Grove Hotel at Grappenhall.
The once popular family-run hotel has closed its doors to the public after owners Best Western approached the Government offering its services for asylum seekers.
On hearing the news Warrington Borough Council and local MP Andy Carter, both wrote to the Home Office, opposing the decision.
But their opposition has been rejected, although it is understood they will be seeking an injunction to oppose it, although asylum seekers, could be arriving as soon as tomorrow, Friday, after hotel staff was told earlier today that the hotel was closing to the public.
A disappointed Mr Carter said: “I am very disappointed that Home Office Officials have failed to listen to feedback from myself and the Borough Council, the Fir Grove Hotel is not a suitable location and I’ve written to the Home Secretary to ask that she reviews this decision immediately.
“Warrington has welcomed families from Ukraine and Hong Kong in recent months which has put pressure on some of our local services, however I am really concerned that this is not an appropriate site for asylum seekers.”
Warrington Borough Council, via Chief Executive Prof. Steven Broomhead had also opposed the move after feeling the strain on resources such as schools and healthcare from the Ukrainian relocation plan and an influx in new an estimated 2,800 residents from Hong Kong.
The once busy and popular family-owned Fir Grove Hotel was at one time re-branded as the Hallmark Hotel after being taken over by Best Western and is part of a group of hotels managed by LGH in England and Scotland.
The three-star rated hotel is currently rated 4.0 “very good” on Trip advisor.
As a result of the closure, a number of planned weddings have been cancelled at short notice. It is unclear what the future holds for staff at this stage.
The latest review posted in October stated: “Great staff, made the stay!
We booked (as a couple) a stay as a last minute Wowcher deal, what a deal it was and great value for money to try the hotel out! I feel that the hotel has been unfairly raterd across the various platforms. It is at least 4*. The staff make this experience, they seem to enjoy their job and put their all into. Keep hold of them Best Western! A rare experience in todays hospitality market! Good people are hard to come by. Food was good, yes some rooms are a little dated – but does it actually matter? They are clean and comphy. The lounge area in the hotel and grounds (weather dependent) are nice. Good location to explore the area. Hotel parking is free which is good (ask at the desk firstly). Beds are comphy too. I need this duvet at home! Thank you for the micro break. 😊
Asylum seekers are also currently housed at the Daresbury Hotel and Paddington House Hotel in Warrington.
Warrington hotel set to remain closed until March next year with 40 jobs under threat
3 Comments
This is shocking , this country is being given away , we need to put a stop to this
Are these going to be refugees from Hong Kong or Ukraine going into this hotel??
Looking at the Warrington guardian online it says Asylum seekers set to move in. I cannot believe this is happening. Maybe it is because the government is paying the hotel so much, they are going to refurbish the hotel with the money. Who knows but what a let-down for the area. We were only there in October 2022 and our 3rd visit due to travelling up regularly to visit family in area. We had been planning our Christmas/New year visit but obviously can’t now this is happening. it says closed till March. Still just cannot believe it. I feel sorry for the staff as they are so lovely and hard working and they dont deserve this and should get some compensation.