A museum in Somerset could be forced to close as it currently breaches fire safety regulations.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service (DSFRS) has warned the owner of the Bakelite Museum in Williton, that the old mill which houses the museum needs to be modified to meet current fire safety laws. Owner, Mr Cook is currently changing the electrics and fitting fire exit signs but he must now raise £20,000 to fit an exterior fire-escape or face the prospect of seeing his business close down. He will also need to change the interior fabric of the listed mill and replace the current wooden staircases.
A spokesperson for DSFRS said: "Each year people die or are seriously injured as a result of fires at work. Besides loss of life, fire costs UK businesses millions.
"We remind businesses of the importance and benefits of regularly carrying out a fire safety assessment."
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England and Wales.
If the fire risk assessment is deemed to be carried out to an insufficient extent, the responsible person can face an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to two years.
