Closure of Poole Quay Hotel leaves bride-to-be distraught

Anne Chilcott and her partner Les Way found out about the hotel's closure via social media

A bride-to-be fears she may have to cancel her wedding in June after the hotel hosting it shut without warning.

Anne Chilcott, from Poole, Dorset, said she had been unable to contact anyone from Poole Quay Hotel since its sudden closure on Wednesday.

She said she needed to recover her £4,000 deposit to book another venue.

The hotel site is set to be redeveloped by MHA Burleigh Poole Ltd. The BBC contacted the developer's planning agents but did not receive a response.

Poole Quay Hotel closed suddenly on Wednesday

Ms Chilcott told BBC Radio Solent she had booked the venue 18 months ago for the ceremony and reception on 15 June, along with rooms for overnight guests.

She found out about the closure from social media, which had left her in "total shock".

She said: "Mentally, I'm exhausted because it was our dream wedding. Now it's all been completely dashed and I don't know which way to turn."

According to the Bournemouth Echo, a sign on the hotel door said: "With immediate effect, we regret to inform you that Poole Quay Hotel is now closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances."

It said questions should be directed to MHA Burleigh Poole Ltd.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council confirmed the developer was granted planning permission "in principle" in August to demolish the waterfront building and replace it with 179 flats and a hotel.

The council said it was "working with the applicant's representatives" to finalise legal agreements before the planning decision would be issued "in full".

Companies House documents show that in February the developer was issued a notice for compulsory strike-off - and that the company would be dissolved by 20 April - but on 9 March the action was "temporarily suspended".

Ms Chilcott said she had attempted to contact the hotel but received no reply.

"I need the refund to rebook somewhere else," she said.

"Without that, our wedding is cancelled."

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