A NORTHWICH MP has called for British Waterways to hurry up and demolish an iconic building in the town centre, while branding it an ‘eyesore’.

Mike Hall, MP for Weaver Vale, said he wants to see the Floatel knocked down as soon as possible, after residents had contacted him about its current state.

The hotel closed in January this year after its owners, the Real Hotel Group, went into liquidation.

Mr Hall said: “Since the Floatel in Northwich closed and has since been boarded up, local residents have expressed their concerns to me about vandalism, the derelict building being used for illicit purposes and it is becoming an eyesore.

“The sooner the Floatel is demolished the better.

“I understand that British Waterways has advised Cheshire West and Chester Council that the Floatel is to be demolished.

“I have now written to the chief executive of British Waterways asking them to confirm that the Floatel is due to be demolished and asking them to get on with the work as soon as possible.”

Mike Coates, British Waterways investment and development manager, said the demolition of the Floatel was integral to developing the riverfront aspect of the Northwich Vision project.

It required a coordinated approach by the parties involved.

“Since Real Hotels ceased trading, the building’s lease has been held by the official administrators, who have a key role to play in bringing about a satisfactory conclusion,” said Mr Coates.

“With regard to its demolition, we are currently in discussion with the local authority to find a cost-effective solution.”

BDO Stoy Hayward, administrators for the Real Hotel Group, was unavailable give the Guardian a comment at the time of going to press.

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co.uk/forum.