The boss behind the bid to rescue the Stradey Park Hotel has hit out at a controversial activist group in a fiery online video — accusing them of stirring division and “masquerading as principle”.
Businessman Ahsan Ullah, whose firm owns the hotel, said he is doing “everything within my power” to stop it falling into administration following months of chaos.
The once-popular Llanelli venue has been at the centre of a long-running row after plans to house asylum seekers there were scrapped — before the hotel shut its doors again earlier this month.
(Image: Llanelli comings and goings / Facebook)
“Fight still continues”
In his latest video message, Ullah insisted the battle to save the hotel is far from over.
He said: “The fight still continues… I’m doing everything within my power to save this hotel from administration. It matters to its staff, its customers, to the community — and above all it matters to me.”
He also moved to shut down speculation about the building’s future use, stating unequivocally that it would not be used to house asylum seekers.
Fresh attack on campaigners
But the strongest words were reserved for controversial group Voice of Wales, which has been heavily involved in protests linked to the hotel.
Ullah accused them of inflaming tensions and chasing online attention.
He said: “Shoving smartphones into people’s faces… and uploading selectively edited footage for clout and clicks is not activism. It certainly isn’t journalism.”
In a cutting remark, he added:
“A more accurate description should be the nuisance of Wales. They do not speak for Wales.”
Community tensions still raw
The hotel, located in Furnace, Llanelli, became a flashpoint last year when proposals emerged to turn it into accommodation for asylum seekers.
Following backlash from residents and campaigners, the Home Office abandoned the plan — allowing the hotel to briefly reopen.
But ongoing financial issues have left its future hanging in the balance once again, with a High Court case adding further uncertainty.
“This is about saving the hotel”
Ullah struck a more conciliatory tone when addressing local concerns, saying he had held a “productive” discussion with local Labour councillor, Martin Palfreyman.
He said his priority now is stabilising the business, dealing with refunds and supporting staff.
“My duty is to protect this hotel, support its staff and secure a stable future,” he said.
What happens next?
With legal proceedings ongoing and no clear resolution yet, the future of one of Llanelli’s best-known hotels remains uncertain.
For now, Ullah insists he is focused on keeping the business alive — while warning critics he won’t be distracted by what he calls “noise”.
But after months of closures, protests and political rows, one question remains for locals:
Can the Stradey Park Hotel really be saved — or is this saga far from over?
