A hotel in Blackpool that breached fire safety regulations was branded a ‘deathtrap’ and subsequently closed down.

It was reported that as many as 20 smoke detectors were disconnected and fire exits were closed with chains or nailed shut ,other issues included a lack of water supply , electricity illegally connected and just a pole supporting half of the roof.

The hotel was forced to close in March 2013, but up to 90 guests had been staying in it until that point.

The findings of the fire safety enforcement team were that the seriousness of the breaches and inadequate management measures would have resulted in serious injury or loss of life in the event of an incident, putting even fire fighters lives at risk.

The owner of the hotel is due back in court in June 2014 for sentencing.

We remind you that owners and responsible persons for non-domestic properties have an obligation under the Regulatory (Fire Safety) Reform Order 2005 to carry out an adequate fire risk assessment.  These assessments should never be paid lip service and any findings need to be acted upon.