Derelict hotel to be closed up after arson attacks

A derelict seaside hotel is to be closed up and surrounded by fencing after numerous deliberate fires and break-ins.

Isle of Wight Council is set to secure The Ocean Hotel in Sandown using emergency powers.

The work will see metal sheeting go up around the ground floor of the former hotel and staircases, which could allow for entry to the upper floors being removed.

The council said fencing would also be added within the gardens.

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 said its investigation into the fires was ongoing.

The council said the work on the building and gardens was expected to take about two weeks to complete.

Areas of the hotel became structurally unstable as a result of a major fire in 2021 that affected all four floors of the building.

The owners of the hotel have previously been handed tidy-up enforcement orders by the council and police.

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