Jobs blow for 200 as hotel closes

The site may be sold to property developers

A seaside hotel is to close with the loss of around 200 workers.

The entire staff of the De Vere Dormy Hotel in Ferndown, near Bournemouth, is to be laid off.

The hotel was put on the market in January but a lack of "suitable" offers has led the company to consider bids from property developers.

Some of the hotel staff will be able to apply for jobs at a new hotel the company is building in Bournemouth, which will open in late 2005.

The four star complex will close its doors on 19 December and looks set to be used for housing.

On Tuesday all staff were given statutory 90-day redundancy notice by the hotel.

Cormac O'Keefe, general manager, told the staff: "The situation does not reflect on the performance of any individual or the team as whole.

"In fact, you have all been a credit to the hotel, maintaining your professionalism and ensuring that the circumstances have in no way impacted on our guests."