News / Bristol
Montpelier shopkeeper’s fears for future of business
A Montpelier shopkeeper might be forced to sell his business after being ordered to pay fines and costs of more than £31,000.
Richard Fox, of Radford Mill Farm Shop on Picton Street, was landed with the five-figure sum after pleading guilty at Bristol Crown Court to three health and safety offences and three building control offences.
The case was brought by Bristol City Council following several site visits in which inspectors said necessary improvements – that included removing excess combustible materials stored in the basement and measures to reduce the risk of tripping – were not carried out.
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Fox believes the council has tried to make an example of him and says that the penalty is so steep that it has left the future of his popular neighbourhood business hanging in the balance.
He said: “The shop has about a thousand people a week going through. The complaints started about two and a half years ago and the health and safety officers have been inspecting regularly and have been aware that members of the public are coming in every day.
“They inspected about 30 times overall and yet never stopped people going inside. If they decided a building is unsafe, they prevent people going in straight away.
“I think they are trying to make an example of me. It has certainly hurt my business.
“There is some question as to whether we can carry on with the fines we have to pay. They are so steep I may have to sell the premises.”
Among the issues identified by council officers were a lack of maintenance of gas appliances and an unsafe electrical installation. Parts of the building were at one point cordoned off by the fire brigade.
Fox told Bristol24/7 that all of the issues raised by the health and safety inspectors have now been addressed.
Fi Hance, assistant mayor for health and wellbeing, said: “Prosecution is a last resort and we always try to negotiate to achieve a solution where possible. We always work with businesses to improve health and safety conditions and offer help and advice to business owners.
“In this case our advice was ignored and legal notices were not complied, and as a result we had no option but to prosecute.
“The council recognises the importance of health and safety and our inspectors target high risk premises to ensure the safety of the work force and members of the public.”
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