The new management at one of Suffolk's oldest and best-known hotels has criticised an MP and called on previous management to settle debts with staff who say they have not been paid.

Suffolk Coastal MP Jenny Riddell-Carpenter had spoken of her "deep concerns" that staff at the Orwell Hotel in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe had not received their wages.

She has met 13 former employees who say they are owed a combined £22,000.

READ MORE: Former staff at Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe 'owed £22,000'

She said: “I find this deeply concerning and I have written to the Orwell Hotel letting them know my concerns and that I will be giving my constituents my full support in their quest to receive the monies owed to them.”

However, Rizwan Ali, spokesperson for the hotel, said he believed that the new management, which took over in June, was being "unfairly targeted," adding that it had "no connection" to the previous events.

He added: "We believe that the previous management should take responsibility for settling any outstanding debts owed to former employees."

READ MORE: Staff at Felixstowe Orwell Hotel claim still owed money

The new management at the Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe say they have no connection to the unpaid staff rowThe new management at the Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe say they have no connection to the unpaid staff row (Image: Submitted) He said the targeting of the new management had damaged the hotel's reputation and called for "due diligence" and the "necessary research" to be done to clarify the situation.

He also appeared to criticise the MP, saying that "public servants and others" should seek out both sides of the story and make sure they have evidence before making accusations.

READ MORE: Staff posted on Facebook about Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe

"This is the only way to ensure that the right people are held accountable, rather than wrongfully accusing those who have nothing to do with the previous management's actions.

"The new management is fully committed to transparency, fairness and the success of the 
Orwell Hotel.

"We stand ready to address any legitimate concerns and work towards restoring the hotel's strong reputation in the community," he added.

Responding to the new management's comments, Zishan Zaman, a consultee for the Zaman family, who previously managed the hotel, said some of the staff members were paid the money that was owed to them in December.

READ MORE: Suffolk hotel to house two new Marco Pierre White venues after £750k investmentHe said: "It is a small matter and it is going to be resolved as soon as possible and that is my urging to them to resolve this matter amicably."