Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, a four-star spa hotel, is facing legal action after reportedly terminating all its staff and canceling scheduled events. The hotel is said to be

accommodating up to 241 asylum seekers, consisting of family groups, across its 77 rooms as part of new arrangements made by the Home Office.

According to reports, a total of 95 full and part-time staff members are facing redundancy starting from July 10, 2023, following the revelation of these plans. Additionally, all events, including weddings, have been canceled at the venue.

Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed that it is taking legal action against the hotel owners and the Home Office's housing contractor in the High Court on Friday. The council alleges that the change in the hotel's use to accommodate asylum seekers was carried out without the necessary planning permission.

Darren Price, the leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, stated that legal proceedings have been initiated against Gryphon Leisure Limited, Sterling Woodrow Limited (the hotel's owners), Clearsprings Ready Homes Limited (the housing contractor), Robert Horwood, and Gareth Street. The case has been scheduled for a hearing on July 7 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, and the council refrained from providing further comments to respect the ongoing legal process.

Dame Nia Griffith MP expressed her strong opposition to the proposal, emphasizing the concerns raised by local residents. Meanwhile, the Home Office is facing another legal challenge from West Lindsey District Council and Braintree District Council regarding its plans to house migrants in two UK military bases—RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and RAF Wethersfield in Essex. A hearing is scheduled for July 12 and 13 at the High Court to determine whether a full judicial review should take place to assess the legality of the Home Office's plans for both bases. Photo -Carmarthenshire council by Hywel72, Wikimedia commons.