Statement issued after claims Blackburn hotel could house asylum seekers.

Officials said they are “aware of rumours circulating.” Blackburn with Darwen Council has responded to social media rumours over the future use of the Islington Hotel.

In a statement issued today (October 28), the council acknowledged that its Housing Needs Service has ‘no involvement’ in any proposals to improve the current accommodations at the hotel on Great Bolton Street in Blackburn.

Officials also stressed that Serco, the corporation in charge of asylum accommodation contracts in the UK, had not informed the council of any plans to repurpose the Islington Hotel for asylum seekers or refugees.

A spokeswoman stated: “The Council is aware of reports circulating about the Islington Hotel in Blackburn.

“We’d like to clarify that Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Housing Needs Service is not involved in any recommendations to change the Islington Hotel’s accommodation options.

Furthermore, Serco has not informed the Council of any plans to adapt the Islington Hotel as asylum or refugee accommodation.

“As with all hostel services throughout the borough, clients are encouraged to move on to more suitable housing when appropriate. This assistance is also extended to inhabitants of the Islington Hotel.

“We politely encourage residents not to spread unsubstantiated information, since this can cause unneeded concern in the community.

“Please help by providing only factual information. Thank you for your help.

A Serco representative stated, “We have no plans to use the Islington Hotel in Blackburn for asylum accommodation.” Any insinuation that we are planning this is incorrect.

The council previously denied that the old Technical School building on Union Street, Darwen, and the former Gate Bar and Grill on Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, will be used to host asylum seekers.

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