Police warning over £1.5m derelict Blackpool hotel

The council’s environmental protection team was called in to secure the New Hacketts Hotel on Queen’s Promenade following complaints from residents and hoteliers.

Blackpool Police have also warned potential intruders to keep out of abandoned hotels, some of which have fallen into a dangerous condition.

The 100-bedroom New Hacketts Hotel, which was put up for sale in 2018 for £1.5m, has attracted delinquents since closing around two years ago.

In February this year six fire engines attended a blaze at the hotel which spread across four floors.

Recently intruders, including youths, have broken into the building as well as into other empty former hotels on nearby King Edward Avenue.

Blackpool Police say they have spoken to parents and guardians of a number of children identified as being among the troublemakers and have posted warnings on social media.

Officers said: “We continue to identify further children who in turn will also get a knock at their door.

“Our investigations will continue to establish which criminal offences have been committed and by who.

“A lot of the hotels are in dangerous conditions and are not safe to be inside of.

“To any of the children attending these premises – please stay away. Not only are you potentially committing offences, you are putting yourselves at significant risk of harm.

“To any parents who don’t know for sure where their children are – please speak to your children about the dangers associated with these buildings and make sure they stay away.”

Warbreck councillors Michele and Danny Scott said residents had raised concerns with them about the issue.

Coun Michele Scott said: “We have received a number of reports from constituents over a period of months regarding this empty property, and are aware the council has dealt with a number of such complaints.”

A council spokesperson said: “Our environmental protection team arranged for the emergency boarding up of the property and are in communication with the asset management company in relation to the future of the property.”