The Belmont Hotel will close its doors at the end of the month.

The news came on Tuesday from the Warwick property's owners, Forte Hotels, who had previously announced plans to sell the property.

The golf club at the site will remain open for the immediate future.

Belmont general manager Gordon Slatford, noting the timing of the announcement on the day after the General Election, stressed: "It is no reflection on the result of the election in any shape or form.'' Instead Forte Hotels delayed the announcement to avoid it becoming a political issue during the General Election.

"We did not want the announcement used by any party for any political gain,'' said Mr. Slatford.

The closure affects some 70 members of hotel staff but Mr. Slatford stressed that everyone would be looked after. They were informed of the decision to close the hotel in a meeting before the news was made public.

"Our staff are our prime responsibility. Everything else takes second fiddle to that.'' And to that end, the hotel company has enlisted the aid of professionals in a bid to help staff quickly secure alternative employment. The workers will also receive financial support.

"During the forthcoming month the assistance of Benedict Associates under the leadership of Vaughn Mosher, will ensure every member of staff is provided with the necessary help and guidance through this time.'' In addition to counselling, Benedict staff will be available on-site at Belmont to help staff with resumes, presentation skills, letters of recommendation and with the set up of interviews with prospective employers.

Mr. Slatford noted that it was a difficult time of year to line up employment in the hospitality industry but the work to find positions began some time ago.

"We know what vacancies there are on the Island and we are interviewing staff so we can match the positions with their skills.'' Last night, new Tourism Minister David Allen said he envisaged talks with the hotel's owners on the future of the site.

He said most people recognised that the hotel needed redeveloping.

"At the same time we have concerns about the impact on the employees and the uncertainty,'' he said.

"We don't want to see another major hotel lost, at the same time we recognise the need to renovate.'' Mr. Allen said it was an interesting property with a fine golf course, that had had good occupancy levels.

On the property side of the equation, Mr. Slatford noted: "The future of the Belmont property looks very promising.

"An investment group, in conjunction with the Elbow Beach Resort, have been involved in extensive discussions with Forte Hotels over the past six months and are very close to concluding a purchase of the property with a view to complete redevelopment of the site which will include the expansion and redesign of the present golf course by Greg Norman to international standards.'' He stressed: "The magnitude of change proposed for the Belmont heralds a new chapter in its extensive history.''