A HOTEL is set to be demolished after the fire-damaged building was battered by a storm.

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

Then last weekend, the badly-damaged facade fell down as Storm Ciara struck the Sussex coast.

Now, works are set to begin on Friday to demolish the building, which is now described as “unstable” and “hazardous”

Eastbourne Borough Council said: “Following the second collapse of the hotel façade earlier this week, plans are being prepared for the start of demolition works.

“These collapses have left the remains of the building unstable and clearly hazardous, so regrettably, initial hopes of preserving elements of the 2* listed hotel may not now be possible.

“The demolition work required is highly complex, not least because of the adjoining Burlington Hotel and other adjacent properties.

“The work is subject to final permissions being achieved. Council officers are liaising with the hotel owner and their appointed demolition contractor in order to achieve this.

“Demolition machinery will be transported to the site tomorrow (13/2/20).

“While not confirmed, it is possible that the demolition work will begin on Friday .

“This is dependent on various factors, including the weather conditions.”