By Locals react to St James Hotel requisition
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.
Some have shown support for the announcement, stating: “Keeps current staff in their jobs and creates more jobs”.
Corus has apologised to guests for the inconvenience, one guest stated: “We stayed there Saturday 16th and was told then that it was the last day that the carpark would be in use so needed to move our car by 10 am on the Sunday”
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 number of asylum seekers.
“Excellent, glad to see other areas will finally be supporting as much as we do here in Kent! Might improve the area too,” one user commented.
North East Lincolnshire Council has not provided a comment on the situation, stating that this is a home office issue.
“And another nail in the coffin of Grimsby town centre.”
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 veterans before any other one you know the ones who put their lives on the line for the country who are now on the streets.”
“Disgusting doing this without a single thought for our own homeless,” another added.
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.
