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Businesses fail fire safety checks

A pub, a shop and two restaurants all failed fire safety checks carried out in the wake of the town's recent blaze.

Just like properties gutted in the Fairfax Place incident at the end of May - all four of the town centre businesses have living accommodation above.

Reporting to the South Devon Herald Express, a fire spokesman said: "The main issues identified within the properties inspected were the provision of early warning in case of fire and the structural protection of escape routes within the buildings."

The checks formed part of a ‘fire safety action week’, launched by the fire authority following the Fairfax blaze – believe to have been started by an electrical fault. No-one was injured in the huge blaze but several flats in the complex were gutted leaving their tenants homeless.

A total of 150 letters offering advice and guidance were issued before the action week and 35 safety checks were carried out on historical heritage buildings, commercial properties and properties that provided rented accommodation.

The fire authority spokesman explained: "Our emphasis was on support and advice and while we achieved a lot of work during the week there is still more activity to be carried out.

"Our high-profile presence in the town led to residents coming up to our officers in the street and asking them to come in and check that their homes were safe, which we were happy to do.

"It is important that owners of commercial premises which have sleeping accommodation above their businesses are aware of their responsibilities as landlords under the law and have the appropriate risk assessments and fire safety measures in place."