Council seeks ways to shut site

WAYS to close a hotel hosting migrants are being explored by council chiefs after several large protests took place outside.

- By James Knuckey

The Bell Hotel in Epping has been the focus of anger since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

The district council has voted to urge ministers to close the Essex venue and is thought to be considering options. Asked if it could use licensing or planning laws to shut the hotel to asylum seekers, Tory Councillor Holly Whitbread said: "The council has been exploring all the various different options. From what I understand...it's being used lawfully, but we are exploring...to find other ways of challenging it." She claimed Home Secretary Yvette Cooper "needs to get a grip" on the situation.