Car wash boss fined £26k for fire safety breaches

A car wash and cafe site manager has been told to pay more than £26,000 after he admitted fire safety breaches.

Artan Hyseni managed 398 Reading Road, Winnersh, when Royal Berkshire Fire Authority undertook an inspection in 2023.

It found there were three serious fire safety deficiencies, including a lack of fire detection and firefighting equipment at the property, and inadequate means of escape in an emergency.

Hyseni, 51, of Fordwich Road, Welwyn Garden City, admitted the breaches at Reading Magistrates' Court in February and was told to pay £26,441.35 on 26 March.

"This successful prosecution demonstrates to businesses that we will act where necessary to protect the public should they not take their commitments to fire safety seriously," Rachel Bloomfield, prevention and protection change and improvement manager for the fire service, said.

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