PREMIER Inn has highlighted Moreton-in-Marsh as a target location for a new hotel.

The small market town in the Cotswolds, which has a population of approximately 4,200, may seem an unlikely location but it is on the hitlist of Whitbread, the company responsible for the Premier Inn chain.

A spokesperson for Premier Inn said: “Our long-term strategy is to grow, to be ambitious about securing the best sites for our customers in strategic locations, and to identify outstanding opportunities where we know there will be demand for Premier Inn bedrooms.

“We are continuing to look for the next generation of locations for Premier Inn in Gloucestershire.

“The Cotswolds will always be a popular destination for our customers, who are staying with Premier Inn for business, leisure trips and staycations and we are keen to grow our presence there.

“Independent research tells us that Premier Inn hotels bring a range of benefits to new locations.

“We create new jobs, pay substantial business rates and our guests support local businesses as they go out to eat, drink, visit attractions and experience the local area during their stay with us.

“Our latest property requirements and list of target locations are available on the property pages of the Whitbread website.”

The bulk of the company’s desired areas are around London and the south west of England with fewer in the Midlands and surrounding the Cotswolds.

Two locations in Oxford and four in Birmingham are there, including one as part of the second city’s HS2 Phase Two, while Ludlow is another wanted town on the Midlands and Northern Home Counties list.

Many Premier Inn hotels tend to feature pubs from the Whitbread group which lists Brewer’s Fayre, Beefeater, Bar and Block Steakhouse, Cookhouse and Pub, thyme and Table Table as part of its portfolio.