BUSINESSES in Purley have welcomed Travelodge's announcement it wants to open two hotels in the area because they say the move will attract more visitors and shoppers.
The UK's biggest hotel brand is seeking one site for development in Purley and one in Norbury.
It estimates it will create 40 jobs and generate £4 million for the local economy. This would add to the chain's hotels in Croydon town centre and South Croydon.
Grant Hearn, chief executive of Travelodge Hotels, said: "Our two existing hotels in Croydon perform strongly all year round.
"Whether it be business travellers, leisure customers or families coming to visit loved ones, we are regularly achieving high occupancy levels.
"It is clear there is a lack of good-quality, affordable hotel accommodation.
"Many have large employment clusters and impressive regeneration proposals yet have an undersupply of hotel rooms."
Lisa Downham, the chairman of the Purley Business Association, said: "Purley businesses welcome this idea with open arms.
"Anything that brings people to the area and has them spend money here is good for us.
"We look forward to Travel Lodge finding sites for development."