'Devastated' Claremont Hotel owners thank neighbours on Eastbourne's Grand Parade

The owners of the Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne, 'devastated' by this morning's major fire, have spoken out to thank neighbours who have cared for displaced guests and staff. As reported elsewhere by More Radio's journalists, large numbers of firefighters were called just after 8.50am (Friday, 22) to a very serious and widespread blaze at the town's Claremont Hotel, on the seafront at Grand Parade. In reports to date, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said everyone in the hotel had been accounted for. The Claremont Hotel is owned by Daish's Holidays, a privately-held British company that is known for its coach tours whose senior staff say appeal to the "over 50s" group. Paul Harper, the company's Sales and Marketing Director, told More Radio: "We would like to give a significant thanks to the couple of local hotels who've been very kind with taking our guests and staff in, providing teas and coffees and support, while our staff have looked after our guests, making arrangements for them to return home." Speaking about nearby residents, and the hotel's own staff, he added: "We can only share in their devastation and loss. "All of our hotels are special to us, but the Claremont in particular has a very special place in our chairman's heart. "It's devastating for the local community and in particular the staff and employees of the group who've worked there tirelessly, in many cases for many years." [caption id="attachment_13286356" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Claremont Hotel: Photo by Matt Kuchta[/caption] Mr. Harper promised the owners would help the investigators: "We will co-operate fully with all of the investigations, and provide every piece of information and support that we can, to help them undertake the lengthy and complicated process." The Building The Claremont Hotel is part of Eastbourne's Grand Parade. According to Historic England, the Victorian parade is "the best series of buildings in Eastbourne" and, accordingly, the organisation has accorded it Grade II* listed status since 1949. Its construction began in 1851, when Queen Victoria had been monarch for 13 years. The parade's official listing makes note of the preservation of its original 19th century features, but also mentions that the two adjoining houses of this hotel on the East suffered war damage.   More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you enjoyed reading this story, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.