Grand Hotel bites the dust

A demolition crew took four attempts to bring the down the stubborn old stack on Wednesday and even snapped a rope in the progress.

Workers had tethered one end of the rope around the chimney and attached the other to the arm of a mechanical digger. The crew spent the morning digging a hole in the rubble for the fallen chimney to land in for its final rest.

A good chunk came down at the second attempt but the main bulk stayed rooted to the spot. It began teetering on the fourth attempt and was eventually forced to give in under the pressure.

It fell with a giant thump creating a huge cloud of dust, much to the delight of the dozens of spectators who had gathered on Sea Road. Traffic was stopped four times while attempts were made to topple the chimney.

Now the side of the Grand facing Sea Road is all but gone apart from the porchway and approach steps. A wing on Jameson Road is all that remains.

It's understood a planning application will be submitted for permission to demolish the rest of the building, which is Grade II listed.