Flats another option (From Stroud News and Journal)

Flats another option

HOTELIERS at a prominent Stroud site have applied for permission to convert the property into flats but have been quick to dismiss claims they are about to check out of the business.

Luciano Magalotti and Sarah Close of The Bell Hotel at Wallbridge have filed a planning application to convert the ground floor of the hotel to two flats and the first and second floors to a further four flats.

They insist, however, that it is just a case of keeping their options open following a lull in business and nothing is imminent. "The thinking was if it doesn't pick up, let's cover all the options," said Ms Close.

"It's just a case of having another string to our bow, nothing is cast in stone. "Even if we did decide we were going to close it wouldn't happen for a long time.

"We've got a lot of bookings for Christmas and for the Cheltenham Races next year and we will certainly be honouring those."

Mr Magalotti told the SNJ business had not been good at the hotel since tourism in the Five Valleys had dropped off.

Businesses catering to tourists have been feeling the pinch all over the district this year as visitor numbers have fallen, and The Bell has been no exception.

"Tourism doesn't exist in Stroud at the moment," Mr Magalotti said.

"Most of our business is from contractors and that has been slow lately.

"For these reasons we are looking at our options but we have every intention at the moment of keeping going."