RESIDENTS in Flintshire lost a ‘big asset’ when a popular hotel burned down – and it would be nice to see another built in its place.

Those are the views of Sealand councillor Christine Jones after the former Gateway to Wales Hotel site on Queensferry Bypass was put on the market.

BA Commercial Chartered Surveyors confirmed last week that it is accepting offers ‘in the region of £500,000’ for the site.

Cllr Jones told the Leader: “I was not surprised to see it had been put up for sale but now that I know something is happening with it I am really pleased.

“It has become a real eyesore and it looks dangerous now.

“It looks like it is hanging by a thread in places.

“The other thing is that night could have been so much worse – lives could have been lost.”

Cllr Jones, a leading member of Flintshire Council, added: “Thank goodness no lives were lost but this is a constant reminder of what could have happened.

“What happens to it will be up to the developer but I would love to see another hotel on the site.

“It was so well used by residents for all kinds of things like the gym, conference facilities, weddings and functions.

“It was a big asset and we lost that and it is so saddening to see it as it is now.”

The original hotel burned down in December 2017 – despite the efforts of about 60 firefighters.

A brochure, describing the site as a prominent development opportunity, explains: “The property comprises the former Gateway to Wales Hotel, a substantial detached property which is now significantly fire damaged, as well as a plot of adjacent undeveloped land.

“The owner of the land has commissioned the demolition of the property and site clearance to be undertaken prior to sale.

“In total the site extends to 1.13 acres and is self-contained providing an excellent development opportunity suitable for a number of alternative uses such as hotel, roadside development, retail, leisure, trade counter, residential.”