A DERELICT hotel in Boscombe has been blasted as a public hazard which requires action to make it safe.

The Cliff End Hotel has remained empty since closing in 2002 and was later ravaged by fire at the end of 2012.

It has also been subjected to vandalism, occupied by squatters and used for fly-tipping.

And Cllr Michael Weinhonig raised this issue at June’s full council meeting, asking the borough’s cabinet members to find a solution.

“The Cliff End Hotel in Manor Road is a public hazard, blighting our environment and the reputation of Bournemouth,” he said.

“What barriers do we face to reverse the condition of this derelict building?”

Cabinet member Cllr Mike Greene replied: “The Cliff End Hotel has been an unsightly thorn in the council’s and the public’s side for a number of years.

“Hopefully the fact the building’s been secured by boardings will prevent it from becoming a genuine hazard, and building control do inspect and survey the property from time to time to check on public safety.”

The site is owned by the Meyrick Estate, but they had endured a dispute with previous leaseholders the Boscombe Partnership who had originally intended to develop the site, resulting in further delays to any possible building plans.

But Cllr Greene said there now seems to be a “chink of light” after the owners told the authority a specialist, who is currently working with architects and designers to prepare a planning application, had been appointed.

“Hopefully the promised application will come through shortly,” Cllr Greene added.

“If not I am sure that ward members and others will be urging the council to look at all available alternatives.”

The 129-year-old building was originally built for the jeweller H Samuel.

In 2013, after the Meyrick Estate re-acquired the site from the Boscombe Partnership, the council drew up a supplementary planning document for the area. This required for the original Victorian core of the building to be retained as part of any future development.