Rushmoor Council uses new emergency powers to close unsafe flat.

Rushmoor Borough Council has used new emergency powers to close a flat over a fireworks shop because of the serious fire risk to the people living there.

The Council is one of the first in the county to make use of the new powers, which came into effect on April 6, on the flat in Lynchford Road, North Camp.

These new powers use a new health and safety rating system to assess housing hazards, including the likelihood and consequences of fire.

In this case, the Council considered that the people living in the flat were at an unacceptably high risk from fire.

The Council found that there was very poor structural separation between the fireworks shop, the shop next door and the flat above. In addition, the only escape route was inadequate and there was no automatic fire detection or emergency lighting.

It therefore used an Emergency Prohibition Order under the Housing Act 2004 to close the flat immediately on Wednesday April 19.

The Council has provided the private tenants with a temporary home while it helps them to consider their long term housing options.

Rushmoor has worked closely with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to produce a list of work needed before the flat can be used again. It would be an offence for the flat to be used as long as the order remains in force.

Alison Whiteley, Rushmoor Council's Head of Housing, said: "This was a very serious situation and we took the view that the risk was too great for the tenants to remain in the flat and we have assisted them with accommodation. We are pleased to be able to use these new powers as people's safety is of the highest importance."

The Council rated fire as a category 1 hazard, using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. The rating system, which came into effect on 6 April, is now routinely used to assess 29 housing hazards, including fire, falls and excess cold. It replaced the housing fitness standard.

For further information please contact Paul Juan, Private Sector Housing Manager, on 01252 398636.

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