STRONG interest has been shown in the Hotel Bon Port, which is up for sale for nearly £5m.

‘The fact is we are reaching retirement age,’ said Mark Galins (pictured), who owns the hotel with his sister, Susan Smithies.

‘We want to pass it on to younger and fitter owners. We will miss the business. We have become very close to a lot of people who come here.’

The hotel has generated controversy for more than four years, with the owners and some neighbours at loggerheads over marquees.

However, Mr Galins said that was not the reason for selling – use of marquees represented only 5% of his business.

The hotel went on the market for £4.75m. last week.

‘There has been a lot of interest,’ said Mr Galins.

‘There has been some for overseas, some from Jersey, as well as some local interest.’

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