A REDDITCH hotel has been named as one of the most Covid-compliant hotels in the country by a new safety survey.

The Southcrest Manor Hotel, in Pool Bank, is one of just 21 hotels across the Midlands - and 175 nationwide - to be recognised by the Safe to Trade Scheme.

The newly-launched initiative helps holidaymakers to identify which hotels, bars, restaurants and cinemas are going the extra mile to ensure the safety of both their staff and guests.

It has been launched by top-ranking hospitality safety experts, including the former CEO of the Health and Safety Executive and Food Standards Agency and the ex-Head of Local Delivery at Food Standards Agency.

The scheme is an independently verified safety standard for hospitality businesses that are not only compliant with, but also implementing measures that go above and beyond the government’s guidelines for trading during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of the hotels on the list, including Southcrest Manor, have been independently audited by the Safe to Trade Scheme’s team of expert environmental health practitioners and have had to pass a strict approval process, as well as adhere to stringent health and safety guidance.

Mark Flanagan who chairs the Safe to Trade Scheme governance board, said: “We are delighted to announce the first 175 UK hotels to meet our stringent standards and be deemed as Safe to Trade.

"For those customers looking to make the most of what’s left of the summer with a UK staycation but who want to do so as safely as possible, the Safe to Trade Scheme provides peace of mind.

"Customers who consult our register of approved venues at safetotrade.org.uk can search for a hotel by name or location and be confident that every approved hotel that features on the list complies fully with the law.”

Southcrest Manor is one of only two hotels in Worcestershire to gain the Safe to Trade Scheme accolade thus far - Stanbrook Abbey Hotel in Worcester is the other.