‘Death trap’ Accrington hostel landlord is rapped
1:21pm Friday 7th August 2009
A LANDLORD has been prosecuted for keeping a hostel described by firefighters as “a deathtrap”.
After problems were reported to Lancashire Fire and Rescue, fire safety specialists discovered hazards in the building in Blackburn Road, Accrington.
These included piles of rubbish in front of fire escape doors, which were also jammed shut.
Investigators judged the premises were so dangerous that people living there would be in grave danger if a fire broke out.
They immediately imposed a prohibition notice which meant no one was allowed on the premises.
Hazards also included fire extinguishers on display that were not working and which had previously been discharged as well as disconnected fire alarms.
John Cairns, fire safety officer with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Premises providing sleeping accommodation such as hotels, guest houses and care homes must make fire risk assessment a high priority.
“The risk of people being hurt or injured in a fire are much greater when they are asleep. The public have a right to expect safety at places they have paid to sleep.”
Landlord Jemshad Ahmed, 35, pleaded guilty at Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court to seven breaches of fire safety rules.
He was fined £670 per offence and ordered to pay court costs in full, more than £7,000 in total.
Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland said: “We are delighted that the magistrate has agreed with our assessment that the property was a death trap.”
Businesses needing help understanding fire safety law can contact find a list a suitable companies at www.ifeda.org
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