The Hillcrest Hotel in Widnes has issued a public statement to address persistent online rumours claiming it is housing asylum seekers. The hotel's management has categorically denied these claims and confirmed that authorities have been notified about a potential protest planned outside the property this weekend.
In their statement, Hillcrest Hotels expressed disappointment over the continued circulation of what they describe as false information, which has previously been denied on multiple occasions. The company is taking steps to ensure the safety of its guests and staff ahead of the planned demonstration on Saturday, September 20.
Key Takeaways
- Hillcrest Hotel in Widnes has publicly denied rumours that it is accommodating asylum seekers.
- The hotel states it is a fully operational business for regular guests and events.
- A protest is reportedly planned at the hotel for Saturday, September 20, based on these rumours.
- Merseyside Police, along with Halton and Liverpool Councils, have been informed of the situation.
- The incident reflects a wider pattern of similar protests occurring across the UK.
Hotel Management Addresses False Claims
Hillcrest Hotels released a formal statement to counter the online speculation concerning its Widnes location on Cronton Lane. The company made it clear that the information being shared is incorrect and is negatively impacting their business.
The statement read: "We can confirm that we are a fully trading hotel that DOES NOT house asylum seekers, we are disappointed to hear that this rumour is still circulating, after we have released statements on numerous occasions denying this rumour."
Management expressed concern over the damage these claims are causing to the hotel's public image and the experience of their patrons. They highlighted the potential disruption for guests who have booked visits or are holding celebrations at the venue.
"We believe that not only does this rumour affect our reputation, but also spoils the enjoyment of the guests who visit us or hold celebrations with us."
Impact on Staff and Operations
The hotel also acknowledged the pressure the situation has placed on its employees. The statement took a moment to commend the staff for their resilience and professionalism in handling the consequences of the rumours over the past few months.
"Finally we would like to praise all our team members who over the last few months have had to deal with the fall-out of this rumour and thank them for their support," the company added.
Authorities Alerted and Safety Measures in Place
In preparation for the potential protest on Saturday, the hotel has taken proactive measures. Management confirmed they have been in communication with relevant authorities to ensure the situation is handled appropriately.
Both Merseyside Police and the local councils for Halton and Liverpool have been made aware of the online activity and the planned gathering. This step was taken to safeguard the hotel, its guests, and the general public.
The hotel has reassured all guests with bookings for Saturday that their safety is a top priority. "We can assure all our guests who are visiting us on Saturday that the hotel is safe and secure and we have zero tolerance towards any illegal activity that may occur on our sites," the statement affirmed.
Official Denials
The hotel's management has repeatedly stated that the rumours are false. The statement emphasized: "In conclusion we vehemently deny that the hotel houses asylum seekers and are extremely disappointed that this rumour continues to circulate."
Wider Context of Protests Across the UK
The planned protest in Widnes is not an isolated event. It is part of a series of demonstrations that have taken place across the country concerning the use of hotels to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
These protests have varied in scale and intensity, often drawing both supporters and counter-protestors, leading to significant police presence and, in some cases, arrests.
National Policy on Asylum Accommodation
The UK government has used hotels as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers to manage the number of arrivals and the processing backlog. This policy has become a focal point for debate and has led to protests in various towns and cities where hotels are being used for this purpose.
Recent Demonstrations in the UK
Several notable protests have occurred recently, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue. A summary of these events includes:
- Hoylake, Wirral: Earlier this summer, a series of demonstrations were held outside the Holiday Inn, resulting in a number of arrests made by police.
- Liverpool City Centre: On August 23, a protest organised by UKIP was met by a large group of counter-protestors, which prevented a planned march through the city.
- Falkirk, Scotland: A protest outside asylum seeker accommodation last Thursday led to the arrest of two men who were subsequently charged in connection with a hate crime.
- London: A "Unite the Kingdom" march organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson saw over 150,000 attendees and resulted in injuries to 26 police officers.
These events illustrate the charged atmosphere surrounding the issue nationally. The situation at the Hillcrest Hotel, although based on what the company calls false information, fits into this broader and often volatile national context. Authorities and local businesses are increasingly having to navigate the fallout from online misinformation campaigns related to this sensitive topic.