IN a first for Devon & Cornwall Police, a Torquay hotel has been closed for three months after several reports of offences.

The Sherwood Hotel in Belgrave Road is subject to a partial closure order, which means only authorised people can get access to the property.

This includes the landlord or their representatives, professional tradespeople, utility companies, postal workers and the emergency services. Anyone found to be breaching this order may be subject to prosecution.

Police decided to take action after the hotel stopped taking paying guests several months ago and the building had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Plymouth Magistrates Court granted the closure order on Thursday, October 9.

Torquay Inspector Rob Harvey said: ‘This property has become an eyesore and a magnet for people intent on causing anti-social behaviour.

‘We want to assure the community that we are taking action and will continue to work with our partners to keep people in Torquay safe.

‘Along with several reports of anti-social and nuisance behaviour linked to this location, there was also an incident of sexual assault reported to us last month.

‘A person was arrested and has been released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.

‘Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority here in South Devon, and across the Force area.

‘We want to make sure that victims have the confidence to come forward and are supported to report incidents to us’.

Magistrates agreed that a closure order at the hotel was necessary to enable police to respond better to reports and, ultimately, protect the community from further risk of harm.

The three-month order can be extended if deemed necessary.

Anyone wishing to report crime can do so via the force website: www.dc.police.uk or by calling 101.

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