AN historic hotel in Dovercourt which is due to undergo a major refurbishment is set to close its doors this weekend with 36 members of staff being made redundant.

The Cliff Hotel, which dates back to 1883, was bought by Carl Richardson, of Carlson Vehicle Transfer, based in Wix, last year.

The 27-bed hotel, in Marine Parade, was to undergo a complete refurbishment and internal remodelling as part of a major investment.

In a statement, the hotel said: “It is with deep regret that we have to announce that as from Sunday, The Cliff Hotel will be closing for the foreseeable future so that major structural and architectural surveys can be carried out.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision to take and has not been taken lightly but after suffering years of under investment before the building was acquired in November 2015, the hotel needs to undergo many major changes if it is to survive.

“Unfortunately it has been trading at a considerable loss over the past 14 months and although a lot of refurbishment has been undertaken in that time, it has not been possible to re-establish both the building and the business whilst it remained open to the public.

“Once all the surveys have been completed, the owners will review the findings and will announce their future intentions for the property in due course.

“Unfortunately it does mean that we have had to make our 36 full and part time staff redundant whilst all the different options regarding the property are looked at.

“All efforts are being made to find alternative employment for the staff.

“We would like to take this opportunity of thanking all our hardworking and loyal and staff for all their support over the past 14 months.

“We would also like to apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience it may cause our customers.”

The announcement comes following the closure of the town’s Hotel Continental, also in Marine Parade, which was ordered to shut after owners Gordon and Blossom Hoyles applied for bankruptcy.

Town councillor Ivan Henderson said: “This comes as a huge blow to the staff and the town so soon into the New Year, and following the closure of the Hotel Continental.

"I’ve already been in discussion with officers at Tendring Council, who have contacts in the job centre, to look at options that may be available for those very experienced staff, some of whom have been there for many years.”