Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Daniel Hall

Blyth takeaway prosecuted for breaching fire safety rules

A Blyth takeaway has been prosecuted following an investigation by Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service's Fire Safety team.

China Cook, on Waterloo Road in Blyth, has been fined £3,418 after a representative of the company attended Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 28 and pleaded guilty to the breach of a prohibition notice that prevented the use of the building's first floor and loft space for sleeping. The prohibition notice was served on November 26 last year following a routine fire service audit of the premises.

This was issued as sleeping materials including beds and bedding were discovered on the first floor. A follow up visit on December 10 revealed a breach of the notice as a person was discovered in bed asleep on the prohibited first floor.

Read more: The pizza takeaways with the worst food hygiene ratings in the North East

Richard Leighton, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service group manager for protection, said: "The means of escape from the first floor and loft area within the premises were inadequate in the event of a fire on the premises. If there was a fire this would prevent people escaping safely.

"During our follow up visit reviewing sleeping within the premises we discovered three beds on the first floor and one within the loft area. This left us with no option but to take the case to court."

The first floor of Blyth takeaway China Cook which had three bedrooms and a ladder going to into the loft space which had a further sleeping area (Northumberland County Council)

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is reminding responsible persons and businesses they must comply with fire safety legislation, and they reinforce the message that those who fail to do so may be prosecuted.

Read next

Every business in the North East with a zero star food hygiene rating

The 11 Chinese takeaways with the lowest food hygiene scores in the North East

Plea to protect Northumberland's countryside following significant wildfire near Morpeth

Newcastle favourite My Delhi to feature in new BBC show Britain's Top Takeaways

The Northumberland street food van that's won a national award for its gluten-free pizzas

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.