Hotel to reopen after ceiling collapse repairs

A hotel forced to close while repairs to the building were made following the discovery of structural damage is set to reopen.

Guests and staff had to leave The Bear Hotel in Wareham on Sunday 11 October after part of a ceiling and masonry above a bay window in a second-floor bedroom came down leading to fears of further collapse.

South Street and the pavement opposite the hotel was initially fully closed to traffic while scaffolding and barriers were put up - the road partially reopened mid week.

A statement from the Bear said the building had received official certification confirming it had passed all inspections and was deemed safe to reopen and planned to welcome guests back on Thursday.

It said the hotel may look a little different for a while but "it is simply getting a makeover."

The Bear's owners thanked Dorset Council and contractors for their hard work, and neighbours and guests for their patience while the safety works were carried out.

The hotel room where the collapse happened was unoccupied at the time and there were no reports of injuries.

The Grade II-listed former coaching inn, known locally for the life-size stone bear on top the entrance portico, was built in 1852.