Speculation has continued over whether the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool is preparing to take in asylum seekers, despite assertions from politicians that it isn’t.
Some rumours have claimed that rooms are already being set aside, citing “inside knowledge”.
It comes after Cllr Julie Sloman, who represents Norbreck ward on Blackpool Council, slammed the rumours, saying: “It will not be the case that the Norbreck will be used. My understanding is the Government is now moving away from using hotels, not moving from hotel to hotel. “
Now the owners, the Britannia Hotels Group, have issued a statement in a bid to lay the matter to rest.
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels commented: “We are aware of recent speculation regarding the use of the Norbeck Castle Hotel.
“We would like to clarify that the hotel is not being used to accommodate asylum seekers or for any related government housing program.”
The speculation and rumours gained further traction after it was confirmed that the asylum seekers currently residing in the Metropole Hotel, which is also a Britannia property – had been given notice to leave in July.
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb said the families would be sent to other locations on Serco sites across the country or in new-build military bases.
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