A HOTEL gutted by fire could start to be demolished “within weeks”.

The Claremont Hotel on Eastbourne seafront went up in flames in November as guests were eating breakfast.

Days later, parts of the building crumbled and in December there was a second collapse.

Eastbourne Borough Council is holding a “demolition consultation” and said depending on the outcome, arrangements for the partial demolition could begin “within weeks”.

The council said that because the hotel is a Grade II* listed building, the process has to be followed before any work can take place.

It said: “The council will continue to do everything in its power to return this section of the seafront to normal as quickly as possible, most importantly the re-opening of Grand Parade.

“Officers meet on a regular basis and we are liaising with businesses based close to the hotel and other neighbours.

“When the consultation closes we will issue an update on next steps.”