THE manager of a Cirencester hotel has reassured its clients that it is operating “as usual” after the company that owns it fell into administration.

A question mark was poised above Stratton House Hotel last week when the Forestdale Hotels group, which owns the 39 bedroom complex, realised the extent of its financial troubles.

However, just days after calling in the administrators, the future of Forestdale’s 14 hotels was saved following a takeover from the St James’s Hotel Group.

The news came as sweet relief to Samantha Johnson, who is due to get married at the luxury Cotswold venue next month after winning her wedding as part of a competition run by the Standard.

She told the Standard that she had been overcome with worry at the thought of her big day having to be cancelled.

“I was so worried. Being in administration can mean absolutely anything. I definitely feel more relieved now, it feels like a lot of stress has been lifted from my shoulders,” she said.

David Wilce, manager of Stratton House Hotel, confirmed that the hotel’s change of ownership would have no impact on its day-to-day running.

“It is business as usual. Everything is going ahead as planned,” he said.

Forestdale, the largest subsidiary of Akkeron Hotels, which is owned by Plymouth Argyle FC chairman James Brent, was reported to have a turnover of £29million in 2012.

The collapse of Forestdale follows the administration of Akkeron-owned companies including Akkeron Hotels Ltd and Akkeron Hotels (Corby) Ltd.

Shaun Robinson, managing director of St James’s Hotels, said he was “very excited” to have acquired Stratton House Hotel, along with the other 13 former Forestdale hotels.