Hotel in beloved UK seaside town shuttered after council warns of ‘danger’

A historic hotel in one of England’s most desirable seaside locations is to be fenced off after numerous fires put the “local community in danger”.

The Ocean Hotel in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight, was once a stunning example of Victorian grandeur on on island loved by Queen Victoria herself.

The hotel boasted 97 rooms and a beautiful ballroom and attracted visitors from all over the country. But sadly after years of decline and devastating fire in May 2021 left it structurally unsafe.

According to the BBC, firebugs and intruders have plagued the building ever since with the latest blaze ripping through the third floor of the building in August.

Isle of Wight Council are now set to use emergency powers to wall-off what is left of the hotel with large metal sheeting to deter any further break-ins.

Councillor Paul Fuller, cabinet member for planning, said: “This protective measure is a significant and positive step forward to reduce anti-social behaviour while we continue to work towards a longer term solution for this property.

“Our decision to use emergency powers to secure the building against unauthorised entry reflects the importance and seriousness of the situation.

“Intruders are not only putting themselves and the local community in danger, they are also risking the safety of our emergency services who are called there regularly.”

A spate of fires at the former hotel in August saw three arrests. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary told the BBC its investigation into the fires was ongoing.

The hotel makes for an imposing presence in Sandown as it sits in a prime location on the Esplanade overlooking Sandown Beach not far from the famous Sandown Pier.

In February this year the Environment Agency (EA) lowered the sea water quality rating at Sandown beach from excellent to good

The ruling from the EA meant the town missed out on the coveted Blue Flag award after E. coli water quality issues were raised.