Owner of Chase Hotel, Ross, expresses 'horror' over BNP meeting

The owner of a Ross-on-Wye hotel has said he will take measures to stop the British National Party (BNP) staying at the venue in the future.

Angry scenes greeted a fund-raising dinner that saw senior BNP figures, including leader Nick Griffin, stay at the Chase Hotel. Their presence led to nearly 100 protesters venting their anger outside the premises. But Alan Porter, a member of the family that owns the Chase, has told the Hereford Times of his horror when he discovered the booking.

“This event was booked by a private individual,” said Mr Porter. “Nobody had any suspicions until 48 hours before. It cannot happen again and we are taking measures to prevent this.”

But with the dinner booked, the hotel’s legal advice was to honour the arrangement because there was a contract, he said. “My reaction was of horror and shock. The policies of the BNP are abhorrent to me, my family and, to my knowledge, all members of the team.”

Mr Porter, who lives in Ross, said there had been no adverse reaction or cancellations since the event, which saw the hotel hiring its own security.

Mr Griffin’s arrival in Herefordshire came two days after his controversial appearance on Question Time.

Hereford Times