A takeaway shop in Selby, Yorkshire, has been ordered to pay nearly £7000 in fines and costs after an investigation revealed fire safety failings.

Police officers had raised concerns about people living in rooms above the shop, prompting a visit by inspectors from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

The inspection showed:

• There were no working fire alarm and fire detection.
• The way up to the rooms was via a loft ladder, which at the time of the inspection was lifted up, despite someone being on the upper floor.
• There was no fire protected escape route.
• The business owner had not carried out a fire risk assessment.

Due to the poor fire safety conditions found a prohibition notice was served, reports MinsterFM.

On this occasion the prohibition notice informed the responsible person that they must not allow anyone to sleep in the building.

Burchan Limited was fined £4,600 and ordered to pay £2,051,23 in costs with a surcharge of £170. A total cost of £6,821.23.

Station Manager, David Watson of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will always make a visit to a premises when reports of poor fire safety standards are made to us.

“Depending on what is found appropriate advice will be given to the business, informal action may be taken or in some cases such as this the necessary enforcement action will be implemented.”

“In this case following the inspection, prohibition and enforcement notices were served.

“An investigation was conducted because the fire safety problems were so serious.

“The responsible person had not given any real thought to what might happen to the people living upstairs if a fire had occurred.”

Original source

MinsterFM.com