Reopening the Leyland Hotel to the General Public

The Leyland Hotel, one of the few hotels in South Ribble, has been closed to the general public for more than three years now. People frequently ask about its continued use for asylum seekers and when it will reopen to tourists and visitors. Today, I raised this question with Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum. Here’s her response:

The Leyland Hotel has been providing essential accommodation for asylum seekers, contributing to the community's efforts to support those in need. Despite its closure to the general public, the hotel has maintained high standards, with a 4.0 rating on TripAdvisor. This reflects the quality of service and facilities that will be available once it reopens.

The reopening of the Leyland Hotel is expected to boost local tourism and the economy. Hotels in Leyland typically see an average occupancy rate of 75%, and reopening will likely attract more visitors to the area. Tourists will benefit local businesses, including restaurants and shops, and create job opportunities in the hospitality sector.