A derelict seafront hotel blighted by repeated trespassing and vandalism, including arson, is being boarded up, after the IW Council invoked emergency powers.

The former Ocean Hotel, Sandown will have all potential access points blocked off by metal sheeting, and any ledges or staircases that may provide access removed or guarded.

Since closing to guests in 2017, the hotel has increasingly become a target of arson and vandalism, with a series of fires worsening its condition. 

Police recently arrested three people in connection to arson incidents over the summer.

The hotel was targeted twice in one week in August, with incidents on Monday August 5 and Friday August 9.

Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, said: "This protective measure is a significant and positive step forward to reduce anti-social behaviour while we continue to work towards a longer-term solution for this property.

"Our decision to use emergency powers to secure the building against unauthorised entry reflects the importance and seriousness of the situation.

"Intruders are not only putting themselves and the local community in danger, they are also risking the safety of our emergency services who are called there regularly." 

Sergeant Ben Sharland, from the South Wight Neighbourhoods Policing Team, said: “The issues at the Ocean Hotel have persisted for a long time, and understandably the local community have had enough.

“These problems have ranged from anti-social behaviour attributed to repeated trespass at the site, to more serious offending such as arson which presents a real risk to life.

"The building is derelict, and is therefore in itself also a safety hazard to anyone who accesses it.

“The South Wight Team have put a lot of work in both from an investigation point of view and also collaboratively with partners to find an effective solution to these issues.

“This has included making three arrests in relation to the recent arson series, for which our investigation remains ongoing."

Meanwhile, vegetation will be removed from the Esplanade frontage and an additional perimeter line of defence from unauthorised entry with Heras fencing will be added within the gardens.

The works are being carried out by Vectis Security Group Ltd and are expected to take around two weeks to complete.