Shopowner prosecuted for health and safety faults

A Middleton business has been fined just over £9000 for a number of serious health and safety offences at a Costcutter franchise, Grimshaw Lane, Middleton.

Mr Paresh Parekh, owner of the business, which now trades under the Bargain Booze franchise, pleaded guilty today at Rochdale Magistrates Court to four offences under health and safety legislation.

The prosecution was taken following repeat offences witnessed on four separate occasions by health and safety officers from Rochdale Council. Mr Parekh failed to take basic precautions to protect members of the public and
his employees whilst major building work was being carried out and he ignored warnings from officers.

On 3 November 2004 officers witnessed dangerous conditions at the premises and were extremely concerned for public safety and for the safety of staff. Despite health and safety officers issuing instructions and warnings, the
work continued and the conditions worsened. Customers were walking around the shop which had 3ft deep holes next to the counter whilst excavation work was taking place, having no regard for customers' safety.

Gary Parkinson, Senior Environmental Health Officer from Rochdale Council said that the prosecution was brought because the owner failed to take basic precautions to protect the health and safety of members of public, including
children, and his own employees.

No risk assessment had been undertaken and there was no safe system of work. Inadequate measures had been taken to prevent people from accessing dangerous areas of the premises. Ceiling fixtures, light fittings and live wires were exposed in all areas accessible to the public in a busy shop. Gary Parkinson said, "In cases like this we will not hesitate to take enforcement action, as it is completely unacceptable. I am pleased that the court has taken the offences seriously and hope that it can be a lesson to other businesses that we will not tolerate such poor practices, which potentially endanger the health and safety of local people."