LLANELLI: Stradey Park Hotel ‘left powered-up with beds made’ as urban explorers film inside closed landmark — sparking police warning

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a warning after several groups entered the closed Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli and filmed inside, finding the landmark venue apparently left fully operational.

The force said it had received a rise in reports of trespassing at the Furnace site over the late May bank holiday weekend, with people accessing the building to create social media content.

Officers confirmed that no arrests have been made, and that they are in contact with those involved. Enquiries are being carried out into potential criminal damage and burglary offences.

In a statement, the force urged people not to enter the building, warning of the risks of going into a closed and unsecured property.

One of the groups, B&R Urban Explorers UK, told Swansea Bay News it had heard from another group that the hotel was open, and arrived to find a door wide open.

The group said the electricity was still on, with the lifts in working order, two bars fully stocked, and beds still made — in its words, “as if waiting for guests that never arrived.”

Bedrooms were found with beds still made up. Image: B&R Urban Explorers UKGuest rooms appeared left as though still in service. Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK

The group said it understood the concerns raised by police about people entering the building, acknowledging that the risks inside any such property are unknown.

It said its approach was to “document things and leave,” and suggested that if access was not wanted, the building should be properly secured.

One of two bars said to have been found fully stocked. Image: B&R Urban Explorers UKLights and fittings remained on inside the bar areas. Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK

The footage and photographs, shared widely on social media, show corridors with the lights on, function rooms with chandeliers still hanging, and a kitchen left with crockery and supplies in place.

A lit corridor inside the hotel, with the power still connected. Image: B&R Urban Explorers UKThe kitchen was left with crockery and supplies in place. Image: B&R Urban Explorers UK

The scenes are the latest twist in the long-running story of the four-star hotel, which closed with immediate effect earlier this year.

The closure left staff facing redundancy and threw the future of one of Llanelli’s best-known venues into doubt.

The hotel’s operating company, Gryphon Leisure Limited, remains the subject of a High Court winding-up petition brought by HM Revenue and Customs, with other creditors also backing the action, listed under case number CR-2026-000901.

Companies House records show the company is still listed as active, but now also faces a proposed strike-off from the register. No liquidation order or receivership appointment is recorded on the public register.

The exterior of the Stradey Park Hotel
(Image: B&R Urban Explorers)

Local representatives have been working to address concerns about the site. Hengoed councillors Martyn Palfreman and Ed Skinner, working with Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith and Elli ward councillor Steve Williams, said they had arranged fencing through the county council and approached the site’s receiver to improve security.

They said they had received an assurance from the UK Border Security and Asylum Minister that the hotel would not be used to house asylum seekers — a reference to the controversial 2023 plan that was eventually withdrawn.

The representatives said their priority was to see the hotel sold as a going concern, and urged people to stay away from the site for their own safety.

Police said work was continuing with partners and the owners to resolve the situation, and that community engagement was ongoing to reassure people living nearby.

Anyone who witnesses trespassing or antisocial behaviour at the site is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The hotel’s owner, Ahsan Ullah, was approached for comment.

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Stradey Park boss hits out at ‘nuisance’ far-right group in explosive video

The boss behind the bid to rescue the Stradey Park Hotel has hit out at a controversial activist group in a fiery online video — accusing them of stirring division and “masquerading as principle”.

Businessman Ahsan Ullah, whose firm owns the hotel, said he is doing “everything within my power” to stop it falling into administration following months of chaos.

The once-popular Llanelli venue has been at the centre of a long-running row after plans to house asylum seekers there were scrapped — before the hotel shut its doors again earlier this month.

Security guards outside the closed Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli after the landmark venue shut with immediate effect earlier this month.
(Image: Llanelli comings and goings / Facebook)

“Fight still continues”

In his latest video message, Ullah insisted the battle to save the hotel is far from over.

He said: “The fight still continues… I’m doing everything within my power to save this hotel from administration. It matters to its staff, its customers, to the community — and above all it matters to me.”

He also moved to shut down speculation about the building’s future use, stating unequivocally that it would not be used to house asylum seekers.

Fresh attack on campaigners

But the strongest words were reserved for controversial group Voice of Wales, which has been heavily involved in protests linked to the hotel.

Ullah accused them of inflaming tensions and chasing online attention.

He said: “Shoving smartphones into people’s faces… and uploading selectively edited footage for clout and clicks is not activism. It certainly isn’t journalism.”

In a cutting remark, he added:
“A more accurate description should be the nuisance of Wales. They do not speak for Wales.”

https://twitter.com/ahsanforbritain/status/2036808881901379682?s=20

Community tensions still raw

The hotel, located in Furnace, Llanelli, became a flashpoint last year when proposals emerged to turn it into accommodation for asylum seekers.

Following backlash from residents and campaigners, the Home Office abandoned the plan — allowing the hotel to briefly reopen.

But ongoing financial issues have left its future hanging in the balance once again, with a High Court case adding further uncertainty.

“This is about saving the hotel”

Ullah struck a more conciliatory tone when addressing local concerns, saying he had held a “productive” discussion with local Labour councillor, Martin Palfreyman.

He said his priority now is stabilising the business, dealing with refunds and supporting staff.

“My duty is to protect this hotel, support its staff and secure a stable future,” he said.

What happens next?

With legal proceedings ongoing and no clear resolution yet, the future of one of Llanelli’s best-known hotels remains uncertain.

For now, Ullah insists he is focused on keeping the business alive — while warning critics he won’t be distracted by what he calls “noise”.

But after months of closures, protests and political rows, one question remains for locals:

Can the Stradey Park Hotel really be saved — or is this saga far from over?

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STRADEY PARK HOTEL SAGA DEEPENS: High Court winding-up petition filed against firm linked to Llanelli landmark

Court records show legal action has been launched against Gryphon Leisure Limited in the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales.

The petition, listed under case number CR-2026-000901, is currently active.

Winding-up petitions are typically brought by creditors seeking to recover unpaid debts and can ultimately force a company into compulsory liquidation if a judge grants the order.

Legal filings indicate the case has been brought by HM Revenue and Customs, with additional creditors also backing the action.

Latest twist after sudden hotel closure

The development comes just weeks after the landmark Stradey Park Hotel closed with immediate effect.

The sudden shutdown left staff facing redundancy and threw the future of one of Llanelli’s best-known hospitality venues into doubt.

The hotel had already been at the centre of national controversy after proposals to use the site to house asylum seekers sparked months of protests and political debate.

Following the closure, Carmarthenshire County Council said it was working with partners to support former staff.

Complicated ownership picture

The legal situation surrounding the hotel is far from straightforward.

While Gryphon Leisure was historically linked to the running of the venue, majority control of the business is understood to have passed to Ullcom Limited in late 2024.

Both companies are associated with businessman Ahsan Ullah, who has previously spoken publicly about the difficulties faced by the hotel during the long-running row over asylum accommodation plans.

That overlap in ownership has raised questions about how the winding-up case could affect the future of the site.

Bedroom investors add further complexity

The situation is made even more complicated by the way the hotel itself was structured financially.

Over the years, individual rooms in the hotel were sold to private investors, meaning multiple people effectively own separate bedrooms within the building.

Some of those investors are now believed to be among the creditors involved in the winding-up proceedings.

That fragmented ownership could make any future sale of the hotel far more complicated, as various financial interests would need to be resolved before the site could change hands.

What happens next

The next stage will be a High Court hearing, expected in the coming weeks.

At that hearing a judge could:

• grant a winding-up order placing the company into liquidation
• adjourn proceedings to allow debts to be settled
• or dismiss the petition entirely.

If liquidation is ordered, an official receiver would take control of the company and begin selling assets to repay creditors.

Uncertain future for landmark site

With the hotel already closed and ownership spread across several parties, the long-term future of the building remains unclear.

Possible outcomes could include the hotel being sold to a new operator, the site being auctioned as part of insolvency proceedings, or redevelopment for a different use subject to planning permission.

Local leaders have previously received assurances that the building is not being considered for asylum accommodation.

For now, the fate of the well-known Llanelli landmark may depend on what happens next in the High Court.

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SHOCK CLAIMS: Stradey Park Hotel boss reveals ‘abuse and threats’ amid closure crisis

Ahsan Ullah, CEO of Ullcom Group, broke his silence in a lengthy statement today (March 5), hitting back at critics and revealing the personal toll of the hotel’s sudden closure.

In a series of explosive claims, Mr Ullah stated that neither he nor his offices had been approached by Llanelli MP Nia Griffith to discuss the ongoing developments at the hotel.

This directly contradicts earlier reports and adds a new dimension to the escalating crisis surrounding the iconic Llanelli establishment.

Mr Ullah also firmly denied that the hotel is currently under administration, stating: “I am doing everything in my power to prevent that from happening.”

Crucially, he reiterated his unwavering commitment that the hotel “will never be handed to the Home Office and nor shall it be allowed to house Migrants or any other similar denominations.”

However, the statement took a dramatic turn as Mr Ullah detailed his personal ordeal, revealing: “On the evening of the 3rd of this month, my vehicle was blocked from leaving the hotel. Eventually I was forced to seek Police assistance.”

He appealed to the “good people of Llanelli and the Rt Hon Nia Griffiths MP to take a moment and reflect on the 18 months of efforts that I have put in to restore SPH to its former glory.”

Mr Ullah also lashed out at “rogue social media outfits such as Voice Of Wales” which he claims “took a dig at my Political background to further incite and anger the local community.”

The far-right group Voice of Wales has been heavily involved in previous asylum seeker protests at the hotel, which saw months of tension in the Furnace area.

He clarified his political stance, explaining his decision to step down as Deputy Leader of the Workers Party GB—a socialist-leaning party led by George Galloway—was due to his “firm advocacy of the Two state solution.”

Furthermore, he claimed a “huge rift” was caused between himself and the Party leadership after he “defended a female party worker from bullying, bigotry and sexual harassment administered by other male members of the Party.”

In a stark warning, Mr Ullah concluded that if those “tirelessly harming my person” continue, it “shall be the primary cause for my reluctant departure from SPH if that happens; which shall no doubt lead to the permanent closure of this Iconic establishment.”

The shock closure of the hotel has already prompted Carmarthenshire County Council to rule out a buyout, while local businesses have rallied around to help affected staff.

#AhsanUllah #hotelClosure #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #politics #protest #StradeyParkHotel #VoiceOfWales #WorkersPartyGB

Council rules out BUYING Stradey Park Hotel as staff offered lifeline

The local authority has confirmed it has no plans to procure the building, nor has it received any approaches from the Home Office or other organisations regarding its future use.

This comes as the council moves swiftly to offer a lifeline to hotel staff, who were left reeling by the sudden announcement that the four-star venue had ceased trading.

Officers have made direct contact with employees to provide crucial employability support during what has been described as a “very difficult and worrying time.”

The council’s statement follows a personal video plea from Stradey Park Hotel CEO Ahsan Ullah, who vowed “we are not walking away” and pledged to return the hotel to normal operations.

Crucially, the council has also gained assurance from Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith, following her discussions with the Home Office, that the building is not being considered for any temporary housing plans.

This echoes the earlier “no asylum hotel” pledge secured by the MP, which aimed to reassure the community amid widespread speculation.

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Linda Evans, expressed her “extreme disappointment” at the owners’ decision to close the hotel “in such sudden fashion.”

Cllr Evans emphasised that the council’s “priority is to the staff of the hotel,” highlighting the immediate support being offered to those directly affected.

Local councillors Martyn Palfreman and Edward Skinner, representing the Hengoed Ward, welcomed the council’s measures to help staff.

They also reiterated their relief at the UK Government’s assurance regarding the hotel not being used to house asylum seekers, encouraging residents with concerns to contact them directly.

The shock closure of the Stradey Park Hotel has prompted a wave of community support from other local businesses, offering jobs and alternative venues for cancelled events.

#AhsanUllah #asylumSeekers #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #CllrEdwardSkinner #CllrLindaEvans #CllrMartynPalfreman #DameNiaGriffithMP #EmployabilitySupport #HomeOffice #hospitality #hospitalityBusiness #hotelClosure #jobs #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #StradeyParkHotel #tourism

‘WE ARE NOT WALKING AWAY’ – Stradey Park Hotel boss makes emotional video plea to Llanelli

Ahsan Ullah, CEO of owner Ullcom Group, has personally addressed the public in a direct message, describing the decision to “pause trading” on Monday as incredibly difficult.

Looking directly into the camera, Mr Ullah has expressed his “deepest regrets” for the “disruption and distress” caused to the hotel’s hardworking staff and the wider community.

The CEO has confirmed that the four-star hotel is currently facing “complex operational challenges” that his team is working “night and day” to resolve.

In a firm promise to the town, Mr Ullah has stated: “Our goal is to return the Stradey Park Hotel to normal operations as a premier destination and a positive asset for Llanelli as soon as humanly possible.”

https://twitter.com/ahsanforbritain/status/2029285918125793791?s=20

The video message follows a wave of community support from other local businesses, including the Swansea.com Stadium and Gateway Resort, who have rushed to offer jobs and venue space.

Mr Ullah has also sought to allay fears about the site’s future, insisting that his focus remains entirely on restoring it as a “hospitality venue for the people of Llanelli and beyond.”

This comes after Llanelli MP Nia Griffith secured a “firm assurance” from the Home Office that the hotel would not be used to house asylum seekers, a move she described as a “devastating blow” to the town.

Addressing the hotel’s staff directly, the CEO has called them the “heart of the hotel” and pledged to support them through the current period of uncertainty.

For guests left in the lurch, Mr Ullah has confirmed that a team is working through every single booking to assist with alternative arrangements or process refunds where appropriate.

The sudden closure earlier this week sent shockwaves through the region, coming just weeks after the hotel announced a major partnership with the Scarlets.

As the investigation into the “operational reasons” continues, the CEO has thanked the public for their “patience, understanding, and continued support” during the crisis.

#AhsanUllah #Business #featured #hospitality #jobs #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #Scarlets #StradeyParkHotel #UllcomGroup

‘Operational reasons’ blamed for Stradey Park closure as MP secures ‘no asylum hotel’ pledge

Ahsan Ullah, CEO of the hotel’s owner Ullcom Group, has confirmed that the “difficult decision” to cease operations was taken on Monday afternoon and has not been made lightly.

In a statement released via social media, Mr Ullah has said that the company is “working urgently and diligently to resolve the matters underlying this decision” in a bid to return the hotel to normal service.

The move has triggered widespread disruption for staff and guests, with the CEO admitting that he “recognises and regrets” the significant impact on those with upcoming events and bookings.

The company has pledged to support those affected, stating: “We will do everything within our capacity to assist customers with alternative arrangements where possible.”

However, the closure has drawn a sharp response from Nia Griffith MP, who has described the events of the week as a “devastating blow” for the hardworking staff in Llanelli.

Dame Nia has confirmed she has been in direct contact with the Immigration Minister, Alex Morris MP, within the last 24 hours to seek urgent assurances about the hotel’s future.

In a move that will bring relief to many in the Llanelli community, she has revealed that the Home Office has given “immediate, firm assurances” that the site will NOT be used for asylum seekers.

“This Labour Government is closing asylum hotels, not opening them,” Dame Nia has stated, seeking to reassure residents after the site’s controversial history under previous plans.

The MP has now called on the current owners to provide “more clarity on its future intentions” as a matter of urgency to protect the hotel as a community asset.

She has also confirmed that her top priority is ensuring that staff receive all necessary support from Carmarthenshire County Council and the Welsh Government during this difficult time.

Customers with upcoming bookings are being urged by the hotel to contact them directly via email with their booking references to begin the process of seeking alternative arrangements or refunds.

#AhsanUllah #asylumSeekers #Business #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #DameNiaGriffithMP #featured #HomeOffice #jobs #Llanelli #NiaGriffithMP #StradeyParkHotel #UllcomGroup