Warrington business owner prosecuted for serious fire safety breaches

Wasim (of Lovely Lane in Whitecross, Warrington) was found guilty of breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by failing to comply with fire safety duties and ignoring a notice that prohibited the use of the premises for sleeping and living accommodation.

The two-storey, mid-terraced property housed a barber shop on the ground floor and was being used as residential accommodation on the first floor. The premises was initially flagged during a routine business safety engagement visit conducted by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, which led to a referral for a full fire safety inspection.

That inspection, carried out in January 2023, identified serious deficiencies, including inadequate separation between the commercial and residential areas, insufficient fire detection and alarm systems, compromised escape routes and a lack of emergency lighting.

Due to the severity of the risks, a Prohibition Notice was served, restricting the use of the first floor for sleeping and living purposes. Despite this, a follow-up visit from officers in January 2024 revealed that the Prohibition Notice had been ignored and the premises was still being used for sleeping and living purposes. Further inspections confirmed that the fire safety deficiencies identified in 2023 had also not been addressed.

Evidence of non-compliance

Evidence of non-compliance was presented to Warrington Magistrates’ Court, including photographs, officer witness statements and documentation confirming Wasim’s control of the premises.

Warrington Borough Council assisted the investigation by providing evidence confirming that Wasim had previously been informed that the premises were unsuitable for sleeping and living.

Wasim was convicted of breaching the Fire Safety Order under Article 32(2)(h) for failing to comply with a Prohibition Notice.

Kristian Clowes, Group manager for protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our priority is to protect people from fire risk. We always aim to work with businesses to ensure properties are safe, but when individuals ignore our warnings and legal notices, we will take action. This prosecution sends a clear message that fire safety breaches will not be tolerated.”

*Further information is available online at www.cheshirefire.gov.uk