Hotels shut to house asylum seekers

The Station Hotel and Queens Hotel in Perth will close to guests after signing contracts with the UK Government to house asylum seekers.

According to Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett, the asylum seekers are all male.

Mr Barrett added that Perth and Kinross Council has “ensured the quality of the accommodation” and worked with St Johnstone FC to provide access to sport and leisure facilities.

Mears, the company that owns both hotels, works as a contractor to the Home Office to place service users and support them while in accommodation.

A spokesman for the company said: “We are working with local authorities and landlords to arrange accommodation in the community, but there is currently a shortage.

“We will arrange for our service users to move from contingency accommodation as soon as possible.”

The spokesman added that all hotels offer en suite rooms with TV and wifi access and a 24hour reception.

“Three meals a day are provided to all services users, menus meet NHS Eat Well standards and are nutritionally balanced,” they continued.

“The support provided by the Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Services has been exemplary.

“Working together, we provide a programme of regular activities, including with the local football teams, library and college.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The use of hotels is a short-term solution and we are working hard with local authorities to find appropriate accommodation.”