Management company responsible for flats in Ipswich's Wolsey Street faces substantial fine for fire breaches

An Ipswich management company has admitted that it failed to comply with a fire enforcement notice at a block of flats in the town.

Directors of Ipaxis Management Company Ltd admitted at Suffolk Magistrates' Court yesterday that it failed comply with enforcement notices issued by the fire service and that it didn't have a sufficient fire risk assessment at its Ipaxis flats in Wolsey Street.

Magistrates said the company, based at Pownall Road, would be sentenced for the breaches in six months time, which they said would allow the company to focus their available funds on vital fire safety improvements at the complex.

In 2019 the building was inspected, and a notification of deficiencies was issued by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

But this was not complied with and an enforcement notice was issued in February last year, which explained that the property did not have a suitable or sufficient fire risk assessment.

After the hearing a fire chiefs said the company could face substantial fines because of the seriousness of the offence, and the delay in sentencing was unusual but was done because the safety of residents was seen as a priority.

Dave Collins, acting deputy chief fire officer, said he was pleased with the prosecution.

"Suffolk Fire and Rescue will always ensure an appropriate level of fire safety in all premises which are covered by fire safety legislation," he said.

"I welcome the news that the company will now undertake the necessary work to fully protect their residents.

“We will not tolerate companies who ignore our formal notices, which could ultimately put people, property and Suffolk’s firefighters at the risk of fire.”

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