A SANDOWN councillor says the future is good for the Ocean Hotel, despite a fire breaking out in the building last night (Saturday).

Scores of firefighters tackled a blaze at the derelict Sandown hotel, and an investigation is now underway to determine how the fire started.

Cllr Ian Ward, for Sandown South, says the site is difficult to secure due to its size, and phoned security only last week after windows had been left open.

In the aftermath of the incident, police are now appealing for witnesses.

"It obviously isn't a good thing to have happened," said Cllr Ward.

"It's a site that's very difficult to control. I know the security company controls it regularly and tries to keep it secure, and they do the best they can.

"I've been in touch with the receiver, who's been in touch with the owners as well.

"I've sent them photographs, and the initial thoughts of the fire investigation team.

A section of High Street, Sandown has been cordoned off as firefighters continue their investigation.

A section of High Street, Sandown has been cordoned off as firefighters continue their investigation.

"It's very early days, but it looks like it's started in one room. We can't say how it has happened at this stage.

"The site's been empty for so long, but the good thing is, we now have an owner who wants to do something with it, which is what we haven't had for the last couple of years.

"It's been a mammoth task to get it sold, and now we've made real progress.

"The future is good for the Ocean Hotel.

"I've had various people contact me, interested in doing business with the hotel, offering to do this and that.

"There is genuine interest out there to get something done."

Responding to reports of people trespassing and partying in the building, Ian said: "That is true.

"I called the security company last week because windows had been left open, and they came along and skewered it all up again."

Anyone with information that could assist police should call 101 and quote reference number 44210177386.

UPDATE 5.15pm: 

Ceri Dent, local resident and social media campaigner, said: “Residents and the local community of Sandown have been campaigning since the summer of 2019 for this site to be cleared of rubbish and have the building secured.

"The Isle of Wight Council has repeatedly let the town down by delaying the issuing of a section 215 clean up and securing notice.

"Multiple reports have been made to the town council, local authority and local councillors over the last six months about squatters, vandals and people exploring the unsecured site.

"The huge amount of rubble, rubbish and black bags of waste left by the part development has piled up outside.

"This latest seafront hotel fire in the heart of Sandown’s conservation area is one of a number of unoccupied derelict buildings left to decay by land banking owners.

"These derelict sites are having a detrimental effect on the town house prices, local businesses and town prosperity that the tourism industry brings.

"We need to put heritage at the heart of any regeneration strategy to ensure that it is protected for us to enjoy both now and for future generations.”