Harrow Borough Council says it will work with a homeless charity that has converted a hotel into a shelter.

The Harrow Times reported yesterday the Harrow Hotel, in Pinner Road, ceased trading last week and has been taken over by charity St Mungo’s Broadway as a homeless shelter on an interim basis.

People living nearby were unaware of the changes and raised concerns about the former hotel, which has more than 100 rooms, becoming a shelter.

A spokesman for Harrow Council said: "We are aware the Harrow Hotel has been bought by the Notting Hill Housing Trust and has now been leased to St Mungo’s Broadway.

“We understand that in the short term the property will be used to provide temporary affordable accommodation for key workers in the charity, nursing or teaching sectors, as well as for clients who are looking to move into private rented homes.

“The council is confident that St Mungo's Broadway will manage the property professionally and with respect for the neighbours.

"We will be working closely with St Mungo’s Broadway to ensure local single homeless households can benefit from the property."