Council leader issues statement as hotel shuts with asylum seekers moving in

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Council bosses have moved to clarify the position over a hotel now being used to house asylum seekers. The Labour leader of Trafford Council, Tom Ross, has issued a statement confirming Cresta Court Hotel, on Church Street in Altrincham, Trafford, has now closed as a result.

As reported, the hotel closed its doors earlier this week, with all future bookings moved to alternative hotels in and around Trafford.

The owners of Cresta Court have reportedly agreed a deal with Serco. READ MORE: The Smiths icon Morrissey donates £50,000 to help save Salford Lads Club Councillor Ross said the situation was 'temporary' and the decision was taken by the Home Office, not the council.

Trafford, he added, was 'a borough that stands by its values of compassion and inclusivity'. Coun Ross said in the statement tonight: "I understand the concerns raised by residents about the temporary use of the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham for accommodating asylum seekers, which was a decision made by the Home Office and not the Council. "The Government also recognises that using hotels long term is not the answer, as I have previously said, but it has inherited an asylum system that is broken and there is no quick fix to deal with the massive backlog the country is facing. "Trafford has a proud history of being a diverse, tolerant, and welcoming borough and we are dedicated to maintaining these values while addressing practical concerns, including healthcare and safeguarding.