THE organiser of a spring fair at Hereford's Three Counties Hotel has been left "completely devastated" as the owners decided to shut down with little notice.

Ann Martin was supposed to be hosting the event at the hotel on Sunday (March 12) but has now had to cancel it.

She said she had an in-person meeting with the hotel at midday on Tuesday about the event, but an hour later, she was told the hotel was closing down.

LATEST UPDATES: Three Counties Hotel closing on Friday as asylum seekers arrive

"This is the hardest post I have had to make," said Mrs Martin, who was organising the event with craft stalls, a pop-up cafe and face painting.

"After a meeting this morning (Tuesday) reassuring me that all was OK, I have just had a phone call telling me that the owner is closing the Three Counties Hotel this Friday morning and there is nothing I can do.

"I am so sorry and feel completely devastated that I have to cancel this fair."

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She added there was just one hour between the meeting and phone call.

Herefordshire Council has said the hotel will close down to the public and the first asylum seekers will arrive from Monday (March 13).

According to Herefordshire Council, asylum seekers will be accommodated on a full-board basis within the hotel.

There will be support on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, along with security staff, and this is all being funded by the Home Office.

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