The landlord of a three-storey house in multiple occupation in Hartford Road, Huntingdon, was fined £3,000 by Huntingdon magistrates last week for failing to carry out fire precaution works --- a fire detection system and fire doors.

Raymond Westwood, of Redwell Close, St Ives, pleaded guilty to failure to comply with a notice served under the Housing Act, and in addition to the fine was also ordered to pay £600 costs.

Mike Trippitt, prosecuting for Huntingdonshire District Council said that an environmental health officer had served a notice on Mr Westwood in 2004 for the provision of fire precaution works, but despite this and several warnings he failed to carry out any works.

Westwood’s solicitor said that his client did not understand the nature of the charge and that he had now commenced the works required.
The court heard that Westwood was a self-employed Clerk of Works and owned 12 properties.

After the court hearing, Councillor Mrs Deborah Reynolds, executive councillor for housing and public health said: “This was a most satisfactory outcome. The magistrates viewed this as a serious case due to the failure of this landlord to protect the health and safety of his tenants.”