WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has today welcomed confirmation that the Holiday Inn in Woolston will no longer be used to accommodate asylum seekers, following years of concerns from local residents.
The announcement marks a significant development for the hotel, which closed to paying guests in April 2023 before being brought into use as asylum accommodation.
Since then, its use has been a source of considerable concern and frustration for residents in Woolston and the surrounding areas, with many wanting to see the hotel returned to its former use as a business serving the local community.
Ms Nichols, Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Police all raised objections to the proposed use of the hotel when the plans first emerged in 2023. Concerns included the impact on already stretched local services, the hotel’s accessibility to local amenities, the additional demands on police resources and the suitability of the location.
Despite these objections, the Home Office, under the then Conservative Government, confirmed that it intended to proceed with the plans, with the hotel subsequently opening to accommodate asylum seekers in May 2023.
At the time, Ms Nichols made clear that she did not consider the hotel an appropriate facility and criticised the Home Office for failing to properly engage with local stakeholders and residents.
Since then, Ms Nichols has repeatedly raised the issue with the Home Office, including directly with the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, Anna Turley MP, seeking clarity on how long the hotel would continue to be used and when it would be returned to the community.
In April, following the Government’s announcement of further asylum hotel closures nationally, she said she was hopeful of news on the future of the Woolston site and committed to continuing to press Ministers for an update.
That update has now arrived, with confirmation that the Holiday Inn will no longer be used to accommodate asylum seekers.
The announcement comes as the Government continues its work to reform the asylum system, tackle illegal immigration and end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation.
Latest Home Office statistics show that, in the year ending June 2026:
• The number of small boat arrivals fell by 23% compared with the previous year.
• There were 41,000 returns from the UK, an 8% increase on the previous 12 months, including 9,700 enforced returns.
• Returns of foreign national offenders increased by 12%, reaching 6,000.
• Disruptions to organised immigration crime increased by 48%, with 3,900 recorded.
• The number of people awaiting an initial asylum decision fell by 77% from its peak in June 2023.
• The number of asylum seekers accommodated in hotels fell by 50% compared with the previous year.
Ms Nichols said: “I know how frustrating this situation has been for many residents in Woolston, particularly given how long the hotel has been closed to the public.
“This has been an issue I have continued to raise with Ministers, but I can now confirm that the Holiday Inn will no longer be used to accommodate those seeking asylum.
“Whilst I have always been clear that the use of hotels for asylum accommodation needs to come to an end, it is important that the people currently staying there are treated with dignity and compassion. Many will have fled incredibly difficult circumstances, and any transition to alternative accommodation must be handled fairly, safely and humanely.
“We need an asylum system that is properly managed, with decisions made promptly, those with no right to remain returned, and people who are entitled to protection given the support they need.
“While there is still a question about what the future holds for the site, this is an important development, and I hope we can now see it returned to a use that benefits the local community.”
Lawrence Sheridan, Councillor for Rixton & Woolston said: “Whilst recognising the complexities surrounding migrant accommodation, it is important to acknowledge that this is a situation we inherited and one that needed to be addressed.
“The decision to close the hotel represents the fulfilment of a commitment and promise made to residents during the election campaign.
“It is equally important that the process is handled responsibly, with compassion and dignity towards those affected, while recognising the concerns and expectations of the local community.
“We made a commitment to residents, and we are now delivering on that promise.”
