Mayor’s special ‘thank you’ for help over Claremont Hotel fire

The Mayor of Eastbourne has hosted a special reception to thank the wide array of people who helped during and after the devastating Claremont Hotel fire on the seafront.

Councillor Steve Wallis welcomed around 50 guests – from first responders to those who assisted residents, businesses and employees in the aftermath – to the Town Hall event on Saturday evening to express his gratitude.

They included firefighters, Claremont hotel staff, nearby residents, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Eastbourne Borough Council and East Sussex County Council’s emergency planning team.

Councillor Wallis said: “I would also like to thank People Matter for the brilliant work they did in finding employment for those affected by this fire. I am honoured to have this wonderful organisation as my chosen charity for this year.

“I also thank Alison Elmes who raised over £3,500 for the staff of the Claremont Hotel.”

Also in attendance to add their thanks were John Smith JP, Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex; Violet Hancock, High Sheriff of East Sussex; Councillor David Tutt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council; Councillor David Elkin, Chair of East Sussex County Council; and Councillor Caroline Ansell, MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon.

Demolition of the hotel is continuing after parts of the remaining structure collapsed during recent storms.

Councillor Wallis told the guests: “The Claremont Hotel, a Grade II listed building built between 1851 and 1855, is no more. The devastating fire, coupled with fierce storms, has finally taken its toll and this magnificent building has disappeared from our seafront.

“However, as we know from our ancient Greek folklore, Phoenix will rise from the ashes.”

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