A construction company has been fined £165,000 after persistently failing to implement adequate fire safety precautions during a major renovation project in Preston.
Glovers Court Ltd was converting a former city centre warehouse into 35 apartments when a visit by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) uncovered serious fire safety risks — including no fire detection system, no means of raising the alarm, and inadequate escape plans. Shockingly, residents had already moved into the building despite the lack of basic protection.
Both LFRS and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued prohibition and improvement notices to halt work and enforce corrective action — but further visits in June and November 2023 revealed the company had ignored both orders and continued construction work.
Now in liquidation, Glovers Court Ltd was found guilty in its absence of multiple safety breaches and ordered to pay £10,512 in costs alongside the fine.
“This company showed a blatant disregard to both fire safety and the laws in place to protect both people and places,” said HSE inspector Christine McGlynn.
This case serves as a clear reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities developers, contractors and site managers carry when it comes to fire safety.
At Howler, we help you get it right — driving fire safety excellence across every site.
From compliant temporary fire alarm systems to full site support, we’ve got the expertise, speed, and dedication to help you meet your responsibilities with confidence.
Read the full article on Construction Enquirer
See the official HSE press release
Image credit: Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Used with permission.
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