“Urban Explorers” now risk imprisonment for trespassing at Grand Atlantic Hotel

North Somerset Council is renewing its warning to residents, particularly young people and parents, about the serious dangers of entering the former Grand Atlantic Hotel site in Weston-super-Mare. 

The warning follows ongoing reports of trespassing, so-called "urban exploring", anti-social behaviour and incidents causing harassment, alarm and distress to local residents and businesses. 

A court order is now in place at the site. This means that entering the site is no longer simply a matter of civil trespass. Anyone found on the site, other than the owners or their authorised agents, is committing a criminal offence and may be arrested. This applies to everyone, including young people. 

Breaching the closure order can result in a fine and/or up to six months' imprisonment. 

A spokesperson for North Somerset Council said:

“The former hotel remains an extremely dangerous location. There are significant risks from unstable structures, partially collapsed areas and the presence of asbestos. Entering the site could result in serious injury or worse. 

While there have been incidents at other locations, the former Grand Atlantic Hotel site has generated the highest levels of concern from the local community and presents the greatest risk to those attempting to access it. 

This is the first closure order of its kind obtained by North Somerset Council and reflects the seriousness of the risks and ongoing impact on the local community. “