More than £80,000 is to be spent on protecting a historic hotel that has become a den of criminality used by county lines gangs.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has approved emergency action to secure the Star Hotel in the North Quay area of the town, which has become a shadow of its former glory following years of neglect.

It is hoped the move to make the building "watertight" will prevent further damage by vandals.

Eastern Daily Press: Paul Wells, cabinet member for environment and sustainabilityPaul Wells, cabinet member for environment and sustainability (Image: GYBC)

Speaking at a meeting this week, Paul Wells, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said the work was "vital", warning if the council did not take action it could result in the building needing to be demolished. 

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Since shutting its doors in 2020, the premises, which was once a favourite haunt of Charles Dickens and Horatio Nelson, has become plagued by crime.

A report to councillors said that the site was being used by county lines gangs, with reports of young people being held there against their will, weapons being kept there, drug taking and violence.

Police and firefighters say they will no longer enter the Grade II-listed building unless there is a risk to life.

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Eastern Daily Press: The hotel was once visited by Charles Dickens and Horatio NelsonThe hotel was once visited by Charles Dickens and Horatio Nelson (Image: Denise Bradley)

The company that owns the building is based in Malta, which has caused legal complications and investigations continue into ways to recoup the costs of the works required. 

At the meeting, one member described 36644 Ltd as an "unscrupulous business" that has failed to do its duty of maintaining the landmark site.

The council will now spend £81,000 to make repairs to the roof and erect metal shutters to secure the ground floor.

Eastern Daily Press: The Star Hotel from across the River YareThe Star Hotel from across the River Yare (Image: Denise Bradley)

A survey of the condition of the roof could mean further work is needed if it requires a full replacement.

The emergency works follow a spend of £21,660 last October to repair damage to the prominent building, which is just a stone's throw away from the town hall.