Shropshire Star

Ludlow's Feathers Hotel closes after Legionnaire's Disease death

A Ludlow hotel where a guest died after contracting Legionnaire's Disease has closed, leading to the loss of 16 jobs.

Published
The Feathers Hotel, in Ludlow

The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow cited 'on-going trading difficulties' as a result of the Legionnaire's outbreak in 2017.

The closure comes after the majority of jobs were shed when the hotel was placed in administration.

Joint administrators Raj Mittal and Steve Stokes, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, are now looking for a buyer for the hotel.

Elaine Brown with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren

Elaine Brown, 69, died on August 26 last year after suffering a stroke as a result of contracting the disease, which was linked to bacteria in the plumbing at the hotel.

Another guest, who contracted the disease and was diagnosed in April 2017, has recovered.

The hotel was closed in September after Mrs Brown’s death and reopened in November after two months of remedial work. It went into administration on August 2.

Mr Mittal said today: "Unfortunately, due to on-going trading difficulties it has not been possible for the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow to continue operating. We are now focused on concluding a sale of the hotel on behalf of creditors.

"To that end we are working closely with property agents Lambert Smith Hampton and Christie & Co to find a buyer for the hotel. We are providing every support to all affected staff and very much hope that a sale can be secured to allow this iconic building to continue to operate as a hotel."

Tim Simmons, of Lambert Smith Hampton, said there has already been interest in taking over the hotel.

He added: "The Feathers Hotel is widely regarded as one of the most attractive hotels in the country. We have received good initial interest from a wide range of operators and are pleased to be advising the Administrators in relation to maximising the value for creditors.”

Interested parties should contact Tim Simmons at LSH on 0121 2372346, or Charles Jones at Christie & Co on charles.jones@christie.com or 0121 4523712.

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