Guests evacuated from 'damaged' historic hotel

1 hour ago

There is "structural damage" at The Bear in Wareham, according to Dorset Council's building control team

Wareham Tours The Bear hotel is white-bricked with black window frames, door frames and balcony. A life-size bear statue is on the balcony. The area around the entrance is cordoned off. — There is "structural damage" at The Bear in Wareham, according to Dorset Council's building control team

A historic hotel was evacuated after part of the ceiling and masonry above a bay window came down in one of its bedrooms.

Dorset Council's building control team said part of South Street and nearby pedestrian access routes have been closed as a precaution due to the "structural damage" at The Bear in Wareham.

The room was unoccupied at the time and there have been no reports of any injuries.

A hotel spokesperson said there was "no need for panic".

"We reported this to Dorset Council straight away, and purely as a precaution, the building was evacuated," they said.

"Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service attended as part of that standard safety response... our restaurant guests and team all left safely."

They added: "We are very sorry for the inconvenience this has caused our guests, neighbours, and everyone who uses South Street, and we thank the emergency services and Dorset Council for their swift support."

Part of South Street and nearby pedestrian access routes have been closed as a precaution

Dorset Council Road blocks at either end of the street outside the hotel. — Part of South Street and nearby pedestrian access routes have been closed as a precaution

A council spokesperson said: "Building control officers have been working with our highways team, the owners' appointed contractors and scaffolders on site today.

"Scaffolders are currently erecting safety scaffolding, while the owners' contractors will install protective hoarding and structural supports tomorrow."

Safety scaffolding has been put up around the hotel

Dorset Council Metal scaffolding erected by workmen outside the hotel. — Safety scaffolding has been put up around the hotel

The authority is aiming to reopen one lane of traffic, and the footpath on the opposite side of the road, once the support structures have been inspected and signed off by structural engineers.

"We understand the disruption this is causing to local residents and businesses and are working closely with all parties to reopen affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so," the council said.

"However, we cannot confirm timescales at this stage, as they will depend on the completion and approval of the necessary safety works."

The Grade II* listed former coaching inn, notable locally for the lifesize stone bear overlooking the street from its first floor balcony, was built in 1852.