A HOTEL is due to stop housing asylum seekers, the Government has said.

The Majestic, on Duke Street in Barrow, is due to stop being used by the Home Office to house people who have fled to Britain by the end of next month.

After the end of a contract with the Imperial, on Cornwallis Street, it will mean there are no asylum seekers being housed in hotels in Barrow under government contracts.

A number of people fled countries including Afghanistan to find sanctuary in Barrow as authorities dealt with a backlog of asylum claims.

A Home Office minister said asylum seekers would be moved to other parts of the Government's asylum estate, including barges and former military bases, which are 'more appropriate'.  

Writing to Barrow MP Simon Fell, minister for legal migration Tom Pursglove said using hotels was intended as a 'short-term' measure. 

Mr Pursglove said: "Having now closed 100 hotels I am pleased that we are now able to go further and I can therefore inform you that the Home Office is terminating the contract with Majestic Hotel, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, as asylum accommodation and confirm it will cease being used at the end of May 2024, reflecting the contractual notice period of this property.

"Residents currently accommodated in the hotel will be moving to other parts of our
asylum estate and we aim to complete all relocations in advance of the final closure date.

"Residents will be notified a minimum of five days in advance and moved by the Home Office."

Mr Fell, who objected to asylum seekers being housed in hotels in the town, said: "I’m very glad to have received confirmation from the Home Office that the Majestic Hotel will no longer be used for asylum accommodation from May.

"With the Imperial having closed already that means there will be no hotels in the entirety of Furness being used for asylum accommodation from next month."

Mr Fell previously criticised far-right activists who protested outside the hotel.