Llanelli MP continues hunt for Sterling Woodrow directors in search for Llanelli asylum seeker hotel answers

The MP, last week visited Sterling Woodrow’s Essex HQ but stonewalling staff refused to answer questions saying the company’s directors were at their London offices.

Dame Nia has since visited the company’s Mayfair office – to be told a familiar story.

On a social media post, Dame Nia said:  “Still trying to track down the directors of the company that appears to own the Stradey Park Hotel, at another of the addresses listed – this time in Mayfair, only to be told they work from their Essex Office. 

“Sounds rather different from what staff in the Essex office said last Thursday. And still no written response. 

“Seems their communication with staff at the Hotel is also lacking, to say the least.”

Work is reportedly underway at Stradey Park Hotel to house up to 207 people, made up of family groups, across 77 rooms at the hotel.

The owners of the hotel have apparently cut off communication with staff running the hotel, who also face an uncertain future once the asylum seekers move in.

The Furnace Action Committee, a group formed after a public meeting to debate the asylum seekers plan, have described the proposals as “a barmy, half-baked scheme which will damage the community of Furnace and Llanelli and one which is not in the best interests of asylum seekers.”

A Home Office spokesperson has previously told Swansea Bay News that it was committed to reducing its use of hotels for asylum seekers.

The spokesperson said: “The number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum system under incredible strain.

“We have been clear that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable – there are currently more than 51,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer £6 million a day.

“The Home Office is committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use and limit the burden on the taxpayer.”  

Swansea Bay News has approached Sterling Woodrow for comment, but has not had a reply at the time of publication.

(Lead image: Nia Griffith)