THERE is still “no great hope” that a “deathtrap” Bournemouth hotel will be developed soon, a public meeting heard.

“I’m surprised there hasn’t been a fatality in there,” said sergeant Dave Moore of Dorset Police, addressing the West Cliff Area Forum.

The derelict Aaron Diplomat Hotel has been used by squatters and is a long-running eyesore for residents.

It has also been visited by members of urban exploration websites like derelictplaces.co.uk and 28dayslater.co.uk.

The building, in Durley Chine Road, has been empty for at least five years.

Residents at the forum meeting in St Michael’s School again complained about its condition and said it was being used by squatters.

Sergeant Moore from the area’s neighbour police team told the audience of around 30: “The hotel comes up in most meetings.

“From a health and safety point of view, we are not allowed in there. It’s a deathtrap.”

He added: “I have climbed around the back to have a look and I think there are no floors in the building at the moment.”

He urged people to email his team about any concerns.

Deputy council leader, John Beesley, told residents the hotel was in private hands and talks were ongoing between developers and planners.

He said: “I have had two emails which don’t give me great hope they are going to develop it any time in the near future.

“They are not close to getting resolution on a couple of issues on the consent.”

A blaze broke out on the building’s top floor in 2008.

A previous plan to convert it into 14 resident flats and 12 holiday flats failed.