Company to pay £16,000 after blaze

THE company behind a gun shop seriously damaged by a devastating blaze 15 months ago has received a hefty fine for breaching fire safety regulations.

Bridgend Trailercraft Limited was fined £16,000 for failing to comply with a series of regulations at hunting and fishing shop Keen’s Tackle and Guns in Aberkenfig.

Opening the case at Cardiff Crown Court, prosecutor Klentiana Mahmutaj described the premises as “a death trap”.

The court heard South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to the incident at the two-storey shop on Bridgend Road on November 8, 2016.

Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and the road was closed due to the presence of shotgun cartridges and other combustible materials.

Prosecutors said there was a post-fire inspection the next day, which revealed a number of failings to comply with various safety measures.

Ms Mahmutaj told the court there was no fire detection equipment present, staff had not received the necessary training and there was no appropriate risk assessment in place.

Director Jeffrey Keen was interviewed on June 21 last year and confirmed he employed nine members of staff.

He said the company had a fire inspection 20 years ago and complied with all requirements at the time. Mr Keen stated he believed companies needed advice, which should be provided by the fire service. Prosecutors said guidance for companies is available for free online.

Ms Mahmutaj argued Bridgend Trailercraft Limited showed “a complete unawareness” of its responsibilities.

Prosecutors alleged the failings were likely to cause a risk of death or serious injury.

Bridgend Trailercraft Limited admitted four counts of failing to comply with fire safety regulations.

Judge Michael Fitton QC noted the “series of failings” did not cause the fire, which started as a result of a water leak into wiring.

He also noted the company spent about £50,000 on “extensive work” to remedy the problems. He fined them £16,000.

The store has been refurbished and will re-open on March 1.

Alison Kibblewhite, head of risk reduction for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It is only down to chance that nobody was killed or seriously injured in this incident.”

She said the outcome of the case reflected the seriousness of fire safety shortcomings at the premises.

Ms Kibblewhite said the service would have preferred to work with the business, but was left with “no option” but to prosecute in the circumstances.