ENFORCEMENT action has been served on a troubled Bournemouth hotel premises after years of issues.

St Michael’s Hotel in St Michael’s Road has been a source of concern and frustration for residents.

At a meeting of West Hill Community group this week the ongoing problem of waste and rubbish around the premises was raised.

One resident, who spoke out at the gathering, said: “That building has held this community to ransom since 2003.”

Another member of the community said action was needed immediately due to rats running around the area.

Steve Day, BCP Council’s private sector housing manager, said the local authority had previously been dealing with the leaseholder of the hotel building, however, the leaseholder is no longer involved and they are now speaking directly with the freeholder.

Residents were assured the council was “actively” dealing with the situation.

Kelly Ansell, BCP Council’s director of communities, said: “The situation at the St Michael’s Hotel is complex.

“The council has been dealing with the property and the issues arising from it for some time and currently the property is vacant and secure.

“BCP Council has served a planning enforcement notice requiring the use of the property to be returned to hotel use and our housing enforcement team have recently served a prohibition notice on the property to prevent occupation until required works can be completed to our satisfaction.

“Alongside this work, both the police and our anti-social behaviour teams are working with the community to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity and we are working closely with residents through our West Hill Project which provides a concentrated resource for this area.”

Westbourne and West Cliff ward councillor John Beesley said: “I have been involved with this for the thick end of two years.

“It is legally quite difficult, which is why it has taken that long. I wish there was a quicker route.

“I have every confidence in the team from the council.”

He added: “If the owner and former operators had acted responsibly this would not have been necessary.

“Sadly, they did not care for the area, where as the residents, small businesses, hotel owners and ward councillors do. I cannot overestimate the role Kelly Ansell has played in this alongside her fellow officers.”