Former Stradey Park Hotel declared unsafe to house people

The officers from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service inspected the former hotel after controversial work was started to turn the property into accommodation for asylum seekers.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Following information received on a change of use at the Stradey Park Hotel and Spa in Llanelli, Business Fire Safety Officers from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service recently undertook a Fire Safety Inspection at the premises.

“Further to this inspection, the responsible persons for Stradey Park Hotel and Spa have been issued with a Prohibition Notice, which prevents the premises from being used for sleeping accommodation. This is mainly due to insufficient fire separation between certain areas of the ground floor, as well as insufficient means of detecting and giving warning of a fire.

“Additionally, the ground, first, second and third floors of the premises must not be used other than persons carrying out remedial works.

“This Prohibition Notice will remain in place until such time that it is lifted by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, or the responsible persons make a formal appeal.”

The hotel has seen continued protests against the proposals to turn it into asylum seeker accommodation, with police recently arresting six people at the hotel for alleged arson attempts and criminal damage.

Superintendent Ross Evans from Dyfed Powys Police said: “These latest arrests come following another concerning escalation in behaviour of some protestors, which has once again resulted in significant damage to the hotel property.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who have demonstrated peacefully over the past few weeks, and appeal for calm to resume. 

“I urge anyone planning to join the protest to follow the example that has been set by local residents.”