Busy Eastbourne road next to fire-ravaged hotel could be open before ‘lockdown is lifted’

In a statement from Eastbourne Borough Council today (Friday, April 3), officials said the contractors working on the Claremont Hotel have been contacted to clear the remaining debris as long as social distancing is adhered to.

The statement said, “Eastbourne council has issued a letter to the contractors stating that their work to clear the debris from the Claremont is considered essential and urgent.

“This allows the work to continue providing social distancing rules are followed. We are therefore hoping the road will reopen before the lockdown is lifted.”

The Claremont Hotel was all but destroyed in a devastating fire which broke out on November 22, 2019. Due to the architectural significance of the building, Listed Building consent was required to fully demolish it.

This was given on February 7 and demolition began on February 10, which later stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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