Great Yarmouth hotel fire: Neighbours frustrated over derelict

The abandoned Victory Hotel on Nelson Road South went up in flames on Thursday, April 27.

Neighbours were evacuated as firefighters tackled the blaze throughout the early hours of the morning.

There were no reported injuries.

FLASHBACK: Firefighters tackling the fire inside the Victory Hotel on Nelson Road South. Picture - Kenneth Stretton (Image: Kenneth Stretton)

The hotel has been boarded up ever since, while residents of an adjoining home remain out of their property while they wait for repairs to be carried out.

The fire ripped through the old hotel with such force an investigation into the cause could not be conducted.

However, a Norfolk County Council spokesman said the council believes the fire was likely deliberate, but they "do not have any evidence of arson".

The roof of the Victory Hotel was destroyed in the fire. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

On the morning of the fire, Chequers Guesthouse owner Alistair Mitchell evacuated his property along with 11 guests at around 3am.

Since then, he said the abandoned building is still affecting business.

"Great Yarmouth is supposed to be a tourist destination," Mr Mitchell said.

Alistair Mitchell, owner of The Chequers guesthouse. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"But what will tourists think of that eyesore? It's not exactly welcoming.

"It’s affecting my business. And I think it will have a bigger impact as the summer continues.

"It's already a difficult time, and this is not helping matters."

The Victory Hotel remains boarded up. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Neighbour Chrissie Allen said the building was a nuisance even before the fire.

"It has been empty for years," she said.

"Where we go from here, who knows?

"But it would be nice for it to be done up.

Behind the Victory Hotel on Nelson Road South. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"It can't just stay like that."

It was revealed the hotel had been used as a cannabis farm before the fire. Plants worth more than £100,000 were discovered inside.

Police said the building's electrical supply was found to have been dangerously tampered with.

The front of the Victory Hotel has been boarded up. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

The drug investigation is ongoing. 

Days after the fire, Great Yarmouth Borough Council secured the premises with wooden boards and warning signs. 

A council spokesman confirmed the owner of the former Victory Hotel has not yet been in contact.