Around 20 protestors gathered outside the Watton Vibe Hotel, formerly the Hare and Barrel, on Monday morning under the idea that it was being repurposed by the Home Office.

The hotel in Brandon Road has been closed for more than two years and was set to be turned into an adult care facility, but this arrangement fell through in recent months.

Rumours began to spread after neighbours spotted workmen trying to install temporary container bedrooms in the car park, which were suspected to be for use by asylum seekers.

Locals set up barriers outside the hotel (Image: Newsquest) Locals quickly became outraged and protestors set up barriers outside the entrance to the car park this morning to prevent the development from continuing.

A spokeswoman for Breckland Council said the authority was "not aware of any plans" for the Vibe Hotel to become housing for asylum seekers.

Tina Kiddell, a local Reform councillor, said she had been informed that the temporary bedrooms were intended to house workers who were renovating the hotel, ahead of a planned........

© Eastern Daily Press