READERS have leaped to the defence of a hotel in Barrow after health bosses launched an investigation over an allegation that diners fell ill.

The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, on Abbey Road, was visited by inspectors from Barrow Borough Council after a group of guests claimed that they were all struck down by illness after dining in the recently refurbished hotel.

Council staff collected samples of food from the hotel's kitchen for inspection, a procedure described as 'standard procedure' by a hotel spokesman.

Readers have described the positive experiences at the hotel.

Helen Pearson said: "Never had an issue at the hotel, always had amazing food and staff more than helpful every time."

Emma Dixon had eaten there very recently:

"We were there on Thursday night, all seven of us said how tasty our meals were, and none of us were ill."

The hotel spokesman indicated that the complaint may not be based on fact:

"We had 90 other diners there that day and we had no other complaints from anyone else.

"The council says that the group who made the complaint are not complying with the investigation."

READ MORE: Health bosses launch investigation after 'diners fell ill' at hotel

George Mckell backed up this claim: "This complaint is rubbish - I've eaten there on many occasions and never had a problem."

Ian Rainford agreed that the hotel's food quality is good: "I've used the Duke many many times over the years (food and drink) and never had a problem. 

Dean Garnett said: "Probably one of them was ill before eating and passed whatever on - or just fake and after a freebie."

The hotel spokesman said that this was possibly the case: "This happens a lot in the industry.

"If one person in a group passes an illness onto others, they blame the restaurant which is extremely unfair. 

"It's because if one person has something like norovirus, and sits with a group of other people, they will likely pass it on to them."

A spokesman for Barrow Borough Council said: "We can confirm that a single complaint has been received which would automatically prompt an investigation.

"We must make clear that this is a standard procedure whenever a complaint is received and does not indicate an adverse finding."