St James Hotel reportedly requisitioned by Home Office to house asylum seekers

St James Hotel reportedly requisitioned by Home Office to house asylum seekers

St James House in Grimsby has reportedly been requisitioned by the Home Office with bookings being cancelled last minute.

According to reports, Corus, which owns the hotel, entered into an exclusive contract with the government which would use the hotel to house refugees or asylum seekers.

Over the bank holiday weekend, the doors were locked and the shutters brought down as a closed sign was placed on the door.

Corus has apologised to guests for the inconvienience.

A home office spokesperson has neglected to comment on the situation as they do not provide comments on the use of individual hotels but added that the UK has seen an increase in the amount of asylum seekers.

North East Lincolnshire Council has not provided a comment on the situation, stating that this is a home office issue.

The 125 room hotel could be used to house hundreds of asylum seekers, a plan which has been met with mixed reviews by the public.

Some are angry with the proposed plans, stating: “Should be helping our own homeless and vetrons before any other one you know the ones who put their lives on the line for the country who are now on the streets.”

One source has stated that Humberside Police are nervous about the situation as the plan to house asylum seekers could lead to hostility and tension in the town.

Humberside Police have been contacted for a statement.

Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici has also been contacted for a statement.