The Melbourne Ardenlea hotel in Shanklin has been shut down by the Isle of Wight Council with immediate effect due to the dangerous state of its utilities.
Environmental Health inspectors conducted an inspection of the premises on Queens Road on Thursday (1st July) and returned the next day to issue a prohibition notice, preventing the establishment from using the gas supply within the hotel building.
An official document from the Isle of Wight Council states that the decision was taken due to the risk of serious personal injury with the danger of fire, explosion, gas leaks and carbon monoxide. There is said to be evidence that the gas installation and appliances are unsafe for use and need to be isolated immediately.
It’s not just the gas that is a cause for concern though as a prohibition notice has also been issued in respect of the hotel’s electricity supply. The Council believes that there is a risk of electrocution, electric shock or other serious personal injuries due to the potential degradation of fixed electrical systems as a consequence of the building not being used or maintained for a significant period of time.
The probation on the use of the hotel’s electricity was signed off on 23rd June as the hotel’s management team failed to undertake reasonably practicable maintenance to verify that electrics exposed to water ingress and potential rodent damage remained safe for continued use.
A notice stuck to the front door tells guests that the hotel has been closed ‘due to unexpected maintenance’, but in reality, the hotel has been legally forced to shut to all members of the public. It’s understood the hotel has remained closed since October 2019.
Island Echo is told that guests have been arriving only to find the premises locked up and 2 prohibition notices visible on the front door. Guests are advised to contact their booking agent for assistance.
Online booking websites appear to be accepting stays for the Melbourne Ardenlea from 15th July, but it is currently unclear when exactly the hotel will re-open. The hotel can only re-open once the matters have been remedied and re-inspected by Council officials.
According to Companies House, Parker Hospitality Limited is currently overdue on both its accounts and confirmation statement. Island Echo has attempted to make contact with the company but to no avail.
UPDATE @ 12:38 – An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has told Island Echo:
“The Regulatory Services team were informed of concerns regarding the condition of the Melbourne Ardenelea Hotel, 4-6 Queen Road, Shanklin. The hotel was planning to open following the period of lockdown and it was alleged that since the premises had been closed conditions had deteriorated to an extent that it was unsafe and unhygienic.
“Investigations into these allegations have resulted in the service of prohibition notices served under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as there was reason to believe that the gas and electrical installation and appliances were unsafe and use of which could result in a risk of serious personal injury. In addition, a number of other areas of improvement and remedial works have been required to ensure that the premises complied with relevant legal requirements.
“The police were called by officers when they attended the hotel on Friday evening to provide assistance to officers in order to undertake their statutory duties.”
This has been an on going problem for years.. The owner doesn’t pay his bills, or staff… never wants to repair anything in the hotel, even when he is told about a dangerous situation.. council have made a good decision to close the hotel, before it blows up..
That is so true my husband is still waiting for his wages going on two years now. The hotel inside is falling to pieces. We know of a corridor ceiling falling down and not repaired as well as god knows how many other items. A real disgrace it needs knocking down
What a shame. This was a nice hotel back in the day.
Note – its says the police had to be called – so, that means that owner was being obstructive towards the inspectors, otherwise they would not have needed to call them
And not before time neither the place is a dump.
Guest House Paradiso 😀
This place is a dump they had squatters in there during lock down and rats running around the building. All the beds had rat droppings on and owner just wanted the beds made and rooms sold. Ceilings have fallen down and all the guest they cancelled are still waiting for refunds as owner refuses to give money back. We walked in and walked straight out again, feel for the staff that stayed as they will get treated awfully and not get paid.