I am grateful to the owners of the Expanse Hotel in Bridlington for meeting with me to discuss the future of the site and I appreciate that as a family run business for over 80 years, the decision to close was not made lightly and has been incredibly difficult. I also want to thank residents who have reached out to share their views on this matter.
Following our productive meeting, I can confirm that no discussions have taken place between the Home Office and the owners and they have absolutely no intention to make the site available for the accommodation of asylum seekers. The family are hopeful that new owners will soon be found and the hotel can reopen in due course.
Additionally, I have now received a response from the Home Office in reply to my letter of 17th January confirming that the Department has not had any discussions with East Riding Council regarding the hotel.
I understand that the use of hotels for asylum seekers is an important issue for our community and I will continue to campaign to end this use of hospitality venues.
