THE owner of Colne's Hendly Hotel said today he planned to speak out against a council report which declares his premises a "house in multiple occupation" (HMO).

A report to go before the Colne and District Committee next Thursday states that the Hendly Hotel does not meet the current legal standards requirements for an HMO, particularly with regards to fire precautions, which are higher than the requirements for a hotel.

But owner Bernard Collins, who has run the Hendly for 15 years, says his business has always been a hotel open to anyone and will continue to be run that way.

The property is used chiefly to provide temporary bed and breakfast accommodation for young people with no alternative housing.

Statutory notice was served on the owner in 1999 with regard to the kitchen and bathroom facilities but these works are not currently required as the building is not fully occupied.

The hotel was placed on the area's list of problem sites two months ago by councillors on the Colne and District Committee, and at the last meeting they demanded an update on what was being done to improve facilities.

The report to go before councillors next week recommends the principal environmental health officer continues to meet with Mr Collins to make sure the property is brought up to standard.

Mr Collins plans to attend the meeting to criticise the report and that he does not accept its findings.

He said: "I want to speak out because my business is a hotel and it is run that way. We are in the phone book and anyone can book a room here if they want to.

"The young people housed here are here on a temporary basis and will move on when somewhere else is found for them.

"I intent to tell councillors that I disagree with the report and that as far as I am concerned, I operate as a hotel and will continue to do so."