Demolition contractors taking down Torquay hotel
A dangerous, fire-ravaged hotel in Torquay is being demolished this week, due to fears it could slip down the steep hill on which it stands and on to the road below.
The Conway Court Hotel was gutted by a blaze on Monday night, which left it in a very unstable state, according to the local fire service. Demolition work on the remaining shell has already begun, with the hope of taking down the basic structure before the end of the week.
Ray Harris from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire had been so strong that it required 80 firefighters to tackle it.
"The building's in a very precarious state," he told local media. "We have a high sided, unsupported building which is on the edge of a cliff face."
Torbay Council officer, Patrick Carney, said that the road below the hotel saw traffic of around 20,000 vehicles every day. It has been closed ever since the fire on Monday night and he said it is crucial that it is re-opened as soon as possible.
"The walls are freestanding and there is no lateral support, if there was a big gust of wind or even during demolition if the walls are accidentally knocked they could fall down," he explained.
