A migrant hotel has warned it will close if the Home Office begins placing men at the site instead of families.
The Park Hotel in Diss, Norfolk, said it is currently contracted to accommodate families only and has made clear to the Home Office that it “will have no alternative but to close” if that changes.
In the statement shared to social media the hotel said: “The Park Hotel has been contracted by the Home Office to provide accommodation for families.
“This arrangement presently remains in place, despite recent public statements suggesting otherwise.
“We have advised the Home Office and other stakeholders that should this situation change, and we are formally notified that the hotel will no longer operate as a family-only establishment, we will have no alternative but to close the Hotel.”
It said there are currently “vulnerable families and children staying at the hotel – many of whom are feeling frightened and uncertain about recent events at the Hotel and their futures”.
“We ask for understanding and sensitivity from both the public and the media during this time, as we continue to provide support to those in our accommodation,” the statement added.
It comes amid mounting local tensions over the use of the hotel to house asylum seekers, with around 60 protesters gathering outside the premises on Wednesday night to voice their anger at the Government’s decision.
They were met by around 30 counter-protesters from campaign group Stand Up to Racism, who held signs reading “refugees welcome”.
The Home Office has not commented directly on the hotel’s warning but has previously said the use of hotels is a temporary measure and all placements are made following risk assessments.
The hotel has long served as a local business and venue for tourism, weddings and events.
The Park Hotel refused to comment when approached by the PA news agency.
