Barnstaple Hotel closes after storm damages roof

The Barnstaple Hotel has temporarily closed following significant storm damage caused by high winds.

In a statement on Facebook, the hotel announced:

“Due to unforeseen circumstances caused by the weather, we have had to close the hotel. If you have a booking with us, our team will be in touch shortly. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

The hotel confirmed to the Gazette: "Unfortunately a large area of roof covering our accommodation building has been badly damaged by the extreme weather conditions, which has caused us to close the hotel so we can ensure our guests and staff remain safe.

"We are in the process of informing anyone booked with us over the coming days and hope to be able to reopen at least to function & Christmas party bookings early next week, if it’s safe to do so."

A guest, who wished to remain anonymous, described the moment the roof was torn off: "It was just after 11am when the roof blew off with a huge bang. I couldn't believe what I was seeing when I looked through the window - solar panels, insulation and a huge swathe of metal roof crashing down and blowing in the wind.

"Staff acted quickly and told all guests to gather in the bar.

"Those staying for more nights were found rooms in other hotels, such as Saunton Sands, and everyone else was reassured and given tea and coffee while we were waiting for the wind to die down.

"There was a family with young children near the pool at time and they saw it blow off right near them, but everyone was unharmed and the staff really did handle it very well in such a difficult situation."

The incident occurred amid widespread disruption caused by Storm Darragh, which has brought severe weather warnings to the region.