Restaurant boss let staff live in filthy offices plagued by 'serious fire risks'

Restaurant staff were discovered living in former offices plagued by "fire risks" and appalling hygiene standards.

Workers were found to be sleeping in squalor at the premises next to the Amantola Restaurant in Deeside, Wales, during an environmental health investigation, NorthWalesLive reports.

Noorjahan Begum, who co-owned the eatery, admitted two offences under housing legislation designed to protect occupiers of properties in multiple occupations.

Environmental Health officers from Flintshire Council who visited the building in September and November 2019 found the place to be riddled with electrical defects and lacking adequate cooking appliance.

Shocking images of the property show what appear to be rusting plug sockets, exposed wiring and chipped away wallpaint, with an official report following the check-up blasting the "unhygienic" conditions.

Begum failed to comply with prohibition orders made after the 2019 visit.

Prohibition orders prevent the use of part or all of a building, or restricts the type or number of people living there.

Among a catalogue of hazards uncovered in the building were a lack of any fire doors or functioning fire alarms despite portable heating being in use.

The living conditions above the restaurant were so serious, Environmental Health had to make an Emergency Prohibition Order.

Begum put his staff at risk by allowing them to live among the numerous fire risks

But Begum flouted the ban - and a revisit by Environmental Health in January 2020 revealed the properties were still being used by staff for living and sleeping purposes.

Begum argued that steps had been taken to remove the risk and that the existence of a tenant caused practical difficulties.

Nonetheless, magistrates said it was clear Begum had failed to carry out the necessary repairs and left the staff at risk.

At the hearing, Begum, of Hasligden Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to both offences and was ordered to pay £2,115 within 28 days.

A poorly fitted lightbulb at the filthy premises riddled with electrical defects

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, Councillor Christopher Bithell, said: “This successful prosecution reflects Flintshire County Council’s commitment to ensuring houses in multiple occupation meet all the legal standards required for this type of property in Wales.

“We believe everyone has the right to live in a home which is in good repair, has ready access to all necessary amenities and is free from physical hazards.

“Whilst we aim to reduce the health effects of poor housing conditions through a combination of advice and financial assistance, occasionally we deal with matters that are so serious a prosecution is necessary.

“This successful prosecution sends out a clear message to landlords and other accommodation providers that non-compliance with current housing standards is completely unacceptable and that Flintshire County Council will protect its residents.

“It reflects Flintshire’s commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are properly managed.”Follow the Official Rokna NEWS Telegram Channel For More and fresh NEWS.

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