Council loses legal bid against Stradey Park Hotel owners in asylum seeker row

Carmarthenshire County Council has been unsuccessful in its application to the Court for an interim injunction against Gryphon Leisure Limited, Sterling Woodrow Limited, Clearsprings Ready Homes Limited, Robert Horwood and Gareth Street regarding the proposed material change of use without planning permission of the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.

Deputy High Court Judge Mansfield KC refused to grant the injunction with reasons to be given on Monday.

Carmarthenshire County Council said that it was “obviously disappointed” with the decision and will consider the reasons when they are given.

Cllr. Darren Price, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council said: “We are disappointed with the court’s decision today, however I have no regrets in bringing this case to court, as we owed this to the residents and businesses of Llanelli, the community of Ffwrnes and the staff at the Stradey Park Hotel to take every step possible. That having been said, the Council needs to consider fully the reasons given by the Judge on Monday and, in the context of its application for a permanent injunction, further comment on the litigation would not be appropriate at this stage.

“The Council remains of the view that the UK Government needs to review their policy on the use of hotels in accommodating asylum seekers. The current approach is obviously not working.

“Carmarthenshire County Council is fully committed to supporting the staff of the Stradey Park Hotel through this difficult period. Through Communities for Work and Workways+ projects, the Council will help these individuals with job-seeking advice and guidance; along with employment support which includes training and updating of CV’s as required.

“Our employability team are also organising a jobs fair for the staff to help them with seeking alternative employment and will bring various industries into the fair and will work with partner organisations, including Careers Wales and Job Centre Plus to provide information that individuals may require.

“Losing your job is distressing, let alone during a cost-of-living crisis, and so the Council’s HWB advisers will be on hand to advise those people who require financial support.”

(Lead image: Stradey Park Hotel)