A central Swindon hotel has closed to the public after it committed to housing refugees.
Security officers could be seen guarding the Holiday Inn Express in Bridge Street today (28 January), where it’s understood dozens of Afghan refugees are being put up.
Whilst it is not clear how many refugees are being housed at the hotel, however, there are usually 161 guest rooms available to book.
An investigation undertaken by Wiltshire 999s found paying customers were actively turned away by security staff, and handed directions to the nearest alternative Holiday Inn.
When they questioned why the hotel was closed, despite people walking in and out, the staff said they were unable to say.
Speaking to some of the men seen exiting the hotel and standing around outside, they confirmed they were from Afghanistan and couldn’t speak good English.
A spokesperson for the IHG, the firm that owns the Holiday Inn, refused to confirm whether refugees were being housed at the establishment, or if it was closed to customers.
“We are unable to make a comment due to the confidentiality of our bookings and guests”, they said.
