FPA | The owner of a site that was providing accommodation above a Warrington barber shop, Muhammad Wasim, has been convicted of failing to comply with a notice prohibiting its residential use.
The two-storey mid-terraced property was initially flagged during a routine Business Safety engagement visit by CFRS and a full fire safety inspection was then ordered. During this inspection, CFRS officers found serious fire safety deficiencies, including:
- Inadequate separation between the commercial and residential areas.
- Insufficient fire detection and alarm systems.
- Compromised escape routes and lack of emergency lighting.
As a result of these findings, a Prohibition Notice was served, banning the use of the first floor for residential accommodation purposes.
However, a visit by CFRS in January 2024 found that people were still being allowed to live and sleep on the first floor of the building and that the identified fire safety issues had not been resolved.
CFRS issued prosecution proceedings against Mr Wasim for breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by failing to comply with fire safety duties and ignoring the Prohibition Notice. Evidence of non-compliance from CFRS and Warrington Borough Council was presented to Warrington Magistrates Court, including photographs, officer witness statements, and documentation.
Mr Wasim, of Lovely Lane, Whitecross, Warrington, was subsequently found guilty at Warrington Magistrates Court and was ordered to pay £4,420.
Speaking after the successful case, CFRS Group manager for Protection, Kristian Clowes 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.”
