THE MP for Vale of Clwyd, James Davies, has labelled suggestions that the site of a Prestatyn hotel which closed last week is now housing “illegal migrants” as “untrue”.

Lyons Nant Hall, a Grade II listed landmark on Prestatyn Road, shut its doors for good on January 1.

The hotel was owned by Lyons Holiday Parks, after the site was bought in 2010 by the family business.

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Prestatyn hotel and Grade II listed building closes its doors

Couple left devastated as Prestatyn hotel due to host their wedding closes

Following Lyons Nant Hall’s closure, the company said it had decided to apply for a change of use of the site.

The reason for the hotel’s closure, it said, was its “high running costs”.

Dr Davies expressed his disappointment at the hotel’s closure, but dispelled rumours of the site housing “illegal migrants”.

He said: “Nant Hall is an imposing and attractive listed building at the eastern entry to Prestatyn and is important to the town and its history.

“It is disappointing that it has closed and I have been in touch with its owners and with the county council to express my interest in its future.

“I can confirm that rumours that the site could be used to house illegal migrants are untrue.”

Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, added his sympathies for those who had booked weddings at the venue.

Earlier this week, Rhianne Jones, a 25-year-old nursery school teacher, told the Journal of how her wedding plans have been thrown into jeopardy, having booked Lyons Nant Hall for the ceremony on July 29.

Mr Davies said: “Nant Hall has a lot of history in Prestatyn, so of course, it’s sad to see its current use being ceased.

“It must be a difficult time for couples who have booked weddings, so my best wishes go out to them, and I hope they find alternative wedding venues very soon.

“I’m pleased to see that the current owners are keeping the building, and will be applying for a change of use from the council.

“So, I will eagerly await to see what the future use of the building will be and hope that it will be in keeping with the traditions of the hall and surrounding areas. Long live Nant Hall.”

Lyons also said it would try to redeploy those who worked at Nant Hall elsewhere, while those with future events booked at the hotel would be reimbursed.

The company, founded in Rhyl in the 1920s, runs almost 20 holiday sites across North Wales and Cumbria.

Cllrs Andrea Tomlin and Elen Heaton, Denbighshire County Council’s representatives of the Prestatyn East ward in which the site is situated, were also saddened by the hotel’s closure.

Cllr Tomlin’s daughter had celebrated her wedding at the hotel as recently as December 30, 2022, she said.

She added: “As the mother of the bride, whose wedding ceremony and celebration was held at the Nant on December 30, I can say without doubt that not one member of the fabulous staff who managed our amazing day from start to end brilliantly showed a hint of anything amiss nor to come.

“We had the most fabulous day in a stunning function room in a beautiful Grade II listed building with amazing food and accommodation. The whole day was faultless.

“It turns out, unbeknown to anyone at all whatsoever, that ours was the very last function before the doors were closed and the gates were locked on January 1.

“I feel deeply for the staff and do hope that they are found suitable alternative roles within the Lyons group.

“Our town has lost some much valued hotel accommodation and a lovely function location, but I do understand that to run at a loss is not something any business can tolerate for long without having to rethink its future.

“None of us know what the plans, nor the proposed change of use, for the wonderful old building are. I just hope that it doesn’t lie idle for long and that all will soon be revealed.”

Cllr Heaton added: “It is extremely sad to see such a popular well-used venue close the doors after 12 years of trading due to the reasons stated of challenging energy costs.

“My thoughts are with the staff affected and with those whose weddings and events have been cancelled due to this unforeseen closure.

“I am, however, glad to see that Lyons are looking to relocate their employees to other areas within their group and I truly hope that they honour this.

“I hope Lyons recognise the importance of this site to the Prestatyn community and will endeavour to safeguard Nant Hall for future use going forward.”