CONSERVATIVE MP Andy Carter has written to the home secretary to object an asylum seeker plan for a popular Grappenhall hotel.

Yesterday, Thursday, the Warrington Guardian revealed that the Fir Grove Hotel has closed its doors amid a plan to use the site for asylum seekers.

Mr Carter has expressed his disappointment with the Home Office Officials who he says ‘failed’ to listen to the feedback they were given.

And he has now written to the home secretary Suella Braverman to object to the plan.

He 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 Guardian:

Warrington South MP Andy Carter

The hotel, based on Knutsford Old Road, has been a popular venue in Warrington for weddings, school proms, functions and Christmas parties for decades.

It now seems likely to be used as a centre for asylum seekers.

The Home Office spoke to Warrington Borough Council about the move earlier in the week.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive, said: “We are asking the Home Office to think again.

“We have other centres in the town and do not have the capacity for any more. This is not the right location for such a facility.”

Staff at the hotel were told on Wednesday the hotel would be closing to the public from yesterday, Thursday, and many of them would lose their jobs.

While Best Western, who the hotel is a member of, has not commented, bookings are no longer being taken online and no reservations can be made via the phone either.

Its social media presence has also disappeared.