Kimberley MP dismisses social media rumours closed hotel is being used to house asylum seekers

The Nottingham Belfry Hotel on Mellors Way has been closed since it went into administration back in February.

However, sightings of people subsequently going in and out of the building have led to a wave of social media-driven rumours that the Government is now using the hotel to house asylum seekers – leading to anger among local residents.

But Mr Norris says this is categoricaly untrue.

In a statement on his Facebook page, he said: “In the last couple of says, residents have made me aware of rumours about the Belfry Hotel.

"I can confirm that this is not true – there will be no asylum seekers housed at the Belfry or any new hotel.

"The Government will not be opening any new asylum hotels and it will close all asylum hotels by 2029.”

Mr Norris also tweeted: “British taxpayers should not be expected to fund the lives of those who can support themselves, break the law or work illegally.

“Asylum support and accommodation will now become conditional – reserved only for those who play by our rules.

Speaking further on the BBC’s Breakfast programme, Mr Norris said: “We support – and the British taxpayer supports – 107,000 people currently in supported accommodation who are seeking refuge.

"They do that because we’re a generous, open-looking country that provides support for people who need it.

"There are some within the supported population who have the means or the ability through work to support themselves.

"So when people can do that, they should do that.

"I think that’s the fair balance between making sure we meet people’s needs but also making sure that the British taxpayer gets a fair shake.”