Shock as historic Fenland hotel shuts its doors permanently

One of the area's most historic hotels has today (Friday) announced it has permanently shut - just months after being bought by new owners.

The Rose and Crown Hotel on Market Place, Wisbech, which dates back to the 15th century, posted news of the closure on Facebook sparking speculation from the public on the reason behind the shock move.

The Grade II listed building went on the market last September with a price tag of £1.2m having been owned for over six years by Rajesh Sadana.

With 29 rooms the hotel was used during lockdown by Fenland District Council to provide emergency accommodation for the area's homeless.

It was bought in May this year by HH Hotels - a London-based firm.

The Facebook post simply stated: "We regret to inform you that as of 4th November 2022, the hotel is permanently closed to the public.

This includes the food and beverage departments, alongside the accommodation.

"We thank everyone who has supported us throughout the years and will miss seeing each and everyone of you."

It immediately attracted comments from people who thought the move might be as a result of the current problems with housing asylum seekers, with speculation the town could be seeing the arrival of some shortly.

One person commented: "The Home Office is taking over lots of hotels. They have done it in Great Yarmouth."

Another wrote: "Well it’s obvious what they have closed suddenly for and they know they will have a good income with rent for rooms from the Government, but if this does happen it’s going to ruin this town even more than it’s ruined now.

"Something has got to be done because we don’t have enough houses/homes now for people."

Local Councillor Steve Tierney was also among those to comment, he said: "I have a very bad feeling and I am very worried about it. It may be nothing, but if it's what I think it could be, we have to try to stop it. It would be a disaster for the town."

However, fellow Councillor Sam Hoy, who is Fenland Council's portfolio holder for housing said: "No one knows that’s what they are doing.

"They are supposed to notify the council, which hasn’t been done so it may not be the case but, I am struggling to see a good reason why they just suddenly close."