Feathers hotel closed following Legionnaires' outbreak

The Feathers hotel in Ludlow has closed today due to trading difficulties following a fatal outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at the premises last year.

Ongoing trading difficulties resulting from the outbreak and subsequent investigation meant that it was no longer viable for the business to remain open. 16 members of staff are understood to have lost their jobs. The company had entered administration earlier this month.

Joint administrators Raj Mittal and Steve Stokes, partners at business advisory firm FRP Advisory, are seeking a buyer for the hotel and have instructed property agents Lambert Smith Hampton and Christie & Co to market it.

Mittal said: "Unfortunately, due to ongoing 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 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."

Elaine Brown, 69, from Merseyside died in August 2017 after suffering a stroke as a result of Legionnaires' disease days after she stayed at the hotel with her husband.

Feathers Hotel falls into administration following Legionnaires' outbreak >>

Parts of Feathers hotel remain closed after Legionella bacteria found for second time >>

Feathers hotel in Ludlow makes civil liability admission over Legionnaires' death >>

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).