A 'disappointed' councillor has spoken of his frustration after trying for months to get answers about why a hotel is being used unlawfully to house asylum seekers.
Cllr Alan Amos sought answers about the Fownes Hotel from Worcester City Council over five months ago, including writing directly to the council's managing director and asking for regular updates since. However, he says none of his questions have been answered.
He is concerned after Worcester News exclusively revealed the building in Clare Street, off City Walls Road, is no longer operating as a hotel but as a 'hostel' for asylum seekers without planning permission.
The hotel's owners, Border Equity Investments, does not list their contact details publicly and the Worcester News has not been able to get a response.
However, no application has been made by the hotel's owners for a change of use from a hotel to a hostel.
Meanwhile, questions have been raised about whether a planning application approved by Worcester City Council in 2024, adding a further 20 hotel bedrooms to the hotel, should have been granted.
Cllr Amos, a Reform UK city and county councillor, previously called for the hotel to be closed.
"I get the impression that this matter has deliberately or otherwise not been given the priority or urgency it merits given the public concern about its status," said Cllr Amos.
In September last year, the Bedwardine county councillor asked to know when the city council became aware of possible unauthorised use of the hotel.
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He was told the Home Office had written to the city council on June 23, 2022, identifying that the Fownes Hotel should be made 'available for use immediately to ensure we have sufficient accommodation'.
David Blake, managing director of the city council, wrote to Cllr Amos that the note from the Home Office 'was accepted at face value based on the statutory duty to accommodate people seeking asylum'.
A council officer has since written to Cllr Amos, explaining that a Planning Contravention Notice (PCN) has been issued with a response due by February 9.
Cllr Amos wrote back to the officer, saying: "I raised this issue with you several months ago so I am naturally disappointed that no meaningful progress has been made about establishing the lawful use of these premises as a hostel for illegal immigrants.
"There has been more than enough time to obtain answers to the questions you have now posed.
"So will you please explain why this has taken so long up to now; and how long the next stages are going to take?"
A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: “As this is an active case, it is not appropriate to comment.”
