Business owner prosecuted for serious fire safety breaches at Warrington property

A Warrington business owner has been successfully prosecuted and ordered to pay £4,420 for serious fire safety offences after continuing to use a property for residential purposes despite a prohibition notice issued by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Muhammad Wasim, of Lovely Lane, 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 were initially flagged during a routine Business Safety engagement visit, 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 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 had been ignored and the premises were still being used for sleeping and living. Further inspections confirmed that the fire safety deficiencies identified in 2023 had also not been addressed.

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

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

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

Group Manager for Protection Kristian Clowes 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.”

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has a dedicated Protection department that offers advice and support. To find out more, visit Fire Protection.