Media Statement - Great Western Hotel

2 May 2008

The Great Western Hotel, in Newquay, today (Thursday May 2) reopened to the public following an incident on April 19 in which a guest tragically died and the hotel was subsequently evacuated due to concerns about levels of carbon monoxide within the premises. 

We would like to thank our guests for their understanding and co-operation during this difficult time and our staff and the emergency services for their professionalism throughout. We also offer our gratitude to other accommodation providers in the Newquay area for their support and help in re-locating guests booked into the Great Western while it was closed.

As a family firm, the tragic death of Mr Jackson has touched each of us personally and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends. Staff at the Great Western Hotel and St Austell Brewery continue to co-operate fully with Police and the authorities in their investigations following the incident.

The police have completed their examination at the hotel, which is now being reopened with the consent of the Environmental Health department of Restormel Borough Council, who are satisfied that there are no ongoing safety hazards relating to the boilers which might affect the health and/or safety of guests, members of the public or staff using the hotel.

As the incident itself remains the subject of an inquiry by the authorities it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.

ENDS

Media enquiries

Contact

Jeremy Mitchell 01726 627149

John Casey 01208 77900