Fire chiefs inspecting a historic property have declared it a safety hazard. 

Hornby House in Blackburn had a number of key concerns including inadequate: 

• fire safety management provisions
• fire separation
• means of escape 
• means of giving warning in the event of a fire.

The four-storey building has been handed a prohibition notice by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. 

"The premises can only be used by people undertaking remedial fire safety work," the notice says. 

Developers say efforts are being made to rectify the problems.

A new leaseholder said, "The fire safety system was not working when we arrived and the fire exits had been padlocked.

"The fire system has been replaced and the padlocks have been removed and fire doors have been fitted.

"The fire marshal will be coming next week and we expect him to lift the prohibition notice."

Original Source
Lancashire Telegraph