Malvern hotel denies housing asylum seekers amid online rumours
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 14:02 · Archive
The Abbey Hotel in Malvern has denied claims it is being used to house asylum seekers.
Rumours have circulated online that the historic four-star Abbey Hotel in Great Malvern was being used by Serco, which provides housing and support for asylum seekers for the government. Facebook users also claimed that asylum seekers were staying at the Convent of the Holy Name, a former convent in Ranelagh Road.
Duncan Grey, general manager of the Abbey Hotel, said the hotel is 'thriving and open as normal'. 'Claims that there are asylum seekers being housed at the Abbey Hotel are untrue,' he said. 'We continue to operate as normal and continue to welcome our guests to Great Malvern.' The hotel continues to take bookings for rooms and its Priory View restaurant, and hosts weddings, conferences and other events.
Serco confirmed the reports were false. 'These rumours are untrue. We have no plans to use the Abbey Hotel or the Convent of the Holy Name in Malvern to house asylum seekers,' a spokesperson said. Malvern councillor Paul Bennett described the rumours as 'made up nonsense', saying residents had contacted him until 1am on Wednesday after seeing posts on Facebook. Misleading social media posts suggesting the hotel would house asylum seekers first spread in May 2025, when the Abbey was due to host an event for Serco, though that event was eventually cancelled.
How it is being reported
- Truth behind rumours iconic Malvern hotel is housing asylum seekersA MALVERN hotel has rubbished claims the iconic building is being used to house asylum seekers.Malvern Gazette · 21 Oct, 12:06
- Truth behind rumours iconic Malvern hotel is housing asylum seekersA MALVERN hotel has rubbished claims the iconic building is being used to house asylum seekers.Worcester News · 21 Oct, 12:06
In this story: Abbey Hotel · Serco · Malvern · Duncan Grey · Paul Bennett · Convent of the Holy Name
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