A PLUSH seafront boutique hotel could offer rooms for passengers who need to quarantine after arriving in the UK to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

UK nationals and residents returning from “red list” countries will be placed in quarantine in Government-provided accommodation - such as hotels - for ten days, Boris Johnson announced.

The move has been opposed by Southend Airport bosses.

However, Sadiq Chikte, manager at the Seven Hotel, in Clifton Terrace, Southend, he would put his hotel forward to be used, if needed.

Mr Chikte said: “We would support this but we do not know if flights are coming into Southend Airport at this stage.

“We’ve are closed due to the lockdown but if we are needed we will put our hotel forward.

“It would help us out a lot as we are closed and I think it would also help out other hotels in the area too.

“I also think it’s a good idea and would help stop the spread of Covid.

“I think the borders should have been closed as people are coming into the county and that’s how it’s spreading.”

Mr Johnson told MPs the Government has also banned all travel from 22 countries where there is a risk of known variants including South Africa, Portugal and South American nations.

Ian Gilbert, Labour leader of Southend Council, said hotels should be put to use if there was clear need in the town.

He said: “I think having quarantine hotels is a good idea and is long overdue.

“Other countries brought in tighter controls earlier in the pandemic. If our hotels can play a part in this it’s a good idea.

“We need to be careful that people do not travel too far from airport to hotel.

“I do sympathise with issues facing the airport and industry but sadly this is necessary.”

It comes as bosses at Southend Airport criticised the plans and claimed it added more costs for passengers and airports.

But Glyn Jones, chief executive at Southend Airport, hit out at the Government’s plans and called for more support for the aviation industry to keep it afloat.

Mr Jones said: “In addition to negative test requirements as well as quarantine upon arrival, there is now the proposal of airport hotel quarantine adding further costs and more complication for passengers arriving into the UK.

“The latest proposal to utilise airport hotels implies yet another cost burden for both airports and travellers at a time when the Government and our industry needs to work together.

“Only then can we provide confidence in passengers to ensure that summer 2021 sees a significant return to flying.”

He added: “Support is needed immediately including clear and consistent guidance to ensure a unified approach across airports within the UK and where possible across Europe.”