TRAVELODGE has written to councils in Oxfordshire to ask them if it can rent land to build hotels.

The Thame-based firm said the step would create jobs and raise cash for councils.

The company said that by borrowing money from the Government, councils can regenerate unused land that they own and generate double-digit profits on their investment.

Travelodge bosses said they had already successfully opened two hotels in conjunction with councils – including an 81-room hotel in Aylesbury.

Paul Harvey of Travelodge, said: “Working with local councils in this creative way has been a great experience for us and, as a result of these innovative development partnerships, we have today written to 124 councils, which includes Oxford City Council and others, to see if we can work together on a similar partnership.”

“If the council has suitable land or assets in a location that is viable for a Travelodge hotel, then we would be delighted to work with them to help boost their local economy, create new jobs within the community and generate a good return for their investment.”

None of the councils in the county have so far commented.