TWO Carlisle hotels that have been housing asylum seekers and refugees are closing ahead of schedule. 

Initially, the closure of the Milton Hilltop Hotel on London Road was expected next year, while the Cumbria Park Hotel, which has been housing women and children, had a scheduled closure for late January 2024. 

However, circumstances have accelerated, leading to the closure of both hotels this week.

The development arises as the UK government has officially decided to relocate asylum seekers from over 50 hotels across the country, opting to transfer them to military bases or vessels. 

Over 200 people will have been moved from the hotels. 

Whilst the majority of the 200 people will be placed around the UK in areas such as Bristol, Darwin and Manchester, a number will remain in Carlisle. 

In response to the closures, the Penrith and Eden Refugee Network (PERN) has launched a new initiative, the Rent a Room to a Refugee scheme.

It hopes to tackle the problem of newly-established refugees becoming street homeless after their official asylum support ends, in which people have 28 days to vacate their asylum accommodation after their status ends and find alternative living arrangements.

Sarah Wilson, director of PERN, said the response so far has been 'positive'. 

"We were really pleased to talk to members of the community who have given a positive response to the scheme.

"We hope through that to be signing up a few additional people who will rent their homes to refugees. 

"We would like to talk to anyone who has ideas as to opening all options for new refugees to find their first home in our community. Many available jobs need filling in Carlisle that are well-suited to refugees. 

"Inquiring doesn't commit you to anything," she said. 

The scheme guarantees landlords a tax-free rental income (up to £7,500 a year) while providing them the satisfaction of helping someone build a life in the area. 

Contributing to the cause, Carlisle's Refugee Action Group is currently running its Christmas fundraiser to purchase toiletries and food for refugees in Carlisle, especially for those moving into their new homes. 

You can donate by visiting here on Facebook. 

Further details of PERN Rent a Room to a New Refugee are on www.pern.org.uk  or by emailing hello@pern.org.uk