The Urban Hotel in Grantham has cancelled bookings and weddings for at least the next six months after it was contracted to take in nearly 100 Afghanistan refugees.
They would be Afghans who have worked with the British forces in the country as cooks, drivers and IT workers as well as in other jobs. Families are among those who are being given accommodation.
A spokesman for The Urban Hotel told The Lincolnite: “We were contacted last week from the Home Office regarding refugees and housing them for at least six months.
“All 90 bedrooms have been taken by the Home Office and they (the refugees) started arriving yesterday (September 6). Around 50 rooms have already been taken and we are expecting all of them to be full by the end of today (Tuesday, September 7).
“Conference rooms have also been taken for local councils to provide assistance.
“We have started contacting wedding bookings and offered alternative options. We are still in the process of contacting them.
“We just want to apologise to people (who were booked in). A lot of been accepting, but some have been happy. We are here to help people.”
Lincolnshire councils and other public services are currently working with the Home Office to support Afghans who left their country over recent weeks to arrive in the UK.
Lincolnshire is expecting to welcome a small number of Afghan families as part of the first phase of a much wider national resettlement programme.
It was previously reported that Lincolnshire councils will look to take in at least 14 Afghan refugee families, but the exact numbers and locations are not being publicly disclosed.
Online room bookings appear to be currently unavailable until March 2022 and several people have said their upcoming weddings have been cancelled.
Gary Barlow tribute act Dan Hadfield, who was due to be performing at the hotel in October, posted on social media saying: “This is the oddest post yet, as this hasn’t happened to me before.
“The night at Grantham Urban Hotel on October 29 appears to be cancelled — and I’ve had it confirmed this morning that it is. With the limited information that they have given me this morning, they have stated that HMP having taken over the hotel and have shut it from this coming Monday for six months in order to accommodate and house Afghan refugees.
“I don’t really know what to say. If you have bought a ticket, you will need to try to contact the hotel itself for refunds. I’m really not sure though if any of us will see anything in this respect, but I will update when I know more.
“On a personal note, I hope that any refugees coming from Afghanistan or any place of unrest are welcomed by us as a country. Remember that, for the most part, we don’t know how lucky we are over here on our sleepy little island.”
Slimming World with Rhona Grantham & Bottesford posted on Facebook saying: “After a very stressful weekend searching out a new venue for our Thursday group, following the sudden Government acquisition of the Urban Hotel I am delighted to announce our new home from this Thursday, September 6 is Grantham Squash & Fitness, Harlaxton Road.”
Meanwhile, a Lincoln taxi driver, who is stuck in Afghanistan whilst trying to rescue his family, is worried he will not make it back to “my beautiful Lincoln” as people continue to be attacked by the Taliban.
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A seven-year-old girl from Immingham has raised more than £2,500 to help rebuild her local park after it was severely damaged in an arson attack earlier this year.
Elysia Shakespeare was really upset by the irreparable damage caused to the main climbing frame at Pilgrim Park, which was set ablaze by youngsters in an arson attack in April.
The park is one of Elysia’s favourite places to play and after the shocking attack she decided to try to help.
She organised a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge and enlisted support from local post office staff to raise the sum, which has now been presented to the council.
The blazing fire at Pilgrim Park in April this year which destroyed the main climbing frame. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, speaking to Look North. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, told BBC Look North that the council plan to replace some of the smaller apparatus first.
He said: “I’ve asked Elysia to jump online and come up with some drawings of ideas for what she actually wants to replace the old climbing frame area with.”
Elysia has suggested that she wants a “big” climbing frame, to start with.
Pilgrim park holds a special place in children’s hearts in Immingham, and it is hoped, with Elysia’s money, and other grants, the council will be able to make improvements for her, her friends and for subsequent generations.
A Lincoln care home resident had a day she’ll never forget after celebrating her 106th birthday by being served lunch by a butler in the buff.
Norah Shaw received close to 200 birthday cards after an appeal from Tennyson Wharf Care Home in Burton Waters.
As well as being served lunch by a buff butler provided by Butlers in the Buff, Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer Eleanor Mattley, as well as cake and wine.
Norah enjoyed chatting to her buff butler Ed. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
The care home said: “Well, what an absolutely fantastic day for a truly special lady.
“We would just like to say a huge thank you to every single person who sent Norah birthday cards and presents. We are all so touched by the heartwarming kindness that has been shown. It really has been astonishing.
Norah even got a card from The Queen. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“Norah was blown away with the generosity and kindness so thank you to each and and every single person for being so amazing. It was so lovely to all be a part of seeing Norah enjoy them all.
“As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her butler in the buff surprise. The amazing kitchen supplied a wonderful afternoon tea which Ed, the butler served to Norah. What an experience that was for everyone involved.
Norah celebrating a birthday she will never forget! | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Staff enjoyed celebrating Norah’s birthday with her. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer – Eleanor Mattley. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“We finished the day with a special performance from Norah’s all time favourite singer Eleanor Mattley Productions – Care Home Entertainment with prosecco and cake. The atmosphere was amazing as staff and residents joined together in song and dance for a truly magnificent afternoon.”
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