The owners of a Birmingham hotel have condemned rumours it would be used to house asylum seekers as “completely untrue.”
The Old Farm Hotel in Linden Lane spoke out after gossip began spreading online that the historic building would accommodate undocumented migrants.
The venue is undergoing renovation with work to bring back its “old-school charm, elegance, and historic value” set to finish in a fortnight.
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Owners said those who sought to “tarnish” its name with “lies and prejudice should be ashamed”.
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In a forthright Facebook post the hotel said: “It’s a shame to see how quickly false rumours can spread.
“Let’s set the record straight: this is completely untrue. We’ve read the Bournville Village consultation, we listened and we are dedicated to providing exactly what the community so yearns for.
“We’ve invested a great deal of time, effort, and money into restoring this beautiful, yet neglected, historic building. Our goal has always been to bring back its old-school charm, elegance, and historic value, while creating a luxurious and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy and for Bournville to be proud of.
“From our Sunday Roast to Afternoon Tea, intimate weddings and events, the support and feedback from the community have already been incredible.
“Those trying to tarnish the Old Farm Hotel name with lies and prejudice should be ashamed — negativity does nothing but divide a community that deserves to thrive together.
“We invite everyone — including those who may have doubted — to come see for yourselves in just two weeks, once renovations are complete.
“See the transformation, experience the beauty, and feel the warmth of what’s been created right here in Bournville.”
The hotel, which is less than a five-minute walk from Cadbury World was listed for sale for £130,000 on Rightmove in February 2022. The property was acquired by the Cadbury family in the 19th century.