‘Period of uncertainty’ expected in Eastbourne after collapse of Shearings puts hotels under threat

That was the message from Mark Cotman, chairman of the Eastbourne Hospitality Association, after the future of two hotels was cast into doubt following the collapse of Shearings Holidays. 

EY, the administrator to Specialist Leisure Group (SLG), confirmed that 2,500 people, who had previously been furloughed under the government’s job retention scheme, have now been made redundant, whilst thousands of holidays have been cancelled. 

Mr Cotman said it was ‘sad to see another business casualty in our sector from the COVID 19 pandemic’.

He added: “Shearings have had a large presence in the town for a substantial period and it is concerning to read from their administrators, EY, that their hotels, the Burlington and the Majestic, will not reopen under their tenure.

“Especially poignant for the Burlington due to their recent trauma with the Claremont Hotel fire tragedy recently.”

Mr Cotman said the association and its partners within the town will ‘endeavour to make this happen as quickly as possible’. 

He said: “Our best wishes go to the staff of Shearings in this difficult time and if their staff require assistance from an Eastbourne perspective, please contact us and we will do our utmost to help, with ourselves and our partners in Eastbourne.”

Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) said, that while the loss of a holiday operator is ‘very regrettable’, it remained confident that ‘millions of visitors’ will continue to choose the town ahead of other UK and international destinations. Read more here

Are you a member of staff or customer at Bay Burlington Hotel and the Bay Majestic Hotel? Share your experiences by emailing [email protected].