Erewash Chief Executive Jeremy Jaroszek has written to me regarding the tragic fire at 41 Wellington Street, Long Eaton. In answer to my inquiry he stated that a complaint had been received regarding the build up of rubbish at the premises. The complaint was received on 20th August 2010. Environmental Health Officers were assured by the occupier that she would clear the rubbish. Subsequently when this didn't happen a formal notice was served on 15th Nov. The occupier didn't comply with the notice and the Council then intended to undertake the necessary works themselves but hadn't done so. It does seem to me the period between the complaint and contemplating direct action was very excessive. The Council seemed to underestimate the scale of the problem and saw it only in terms of "untidy land" rather than a hazard to public safety. Other legislation may have been more appropriate in this case.
I will delve further to find out whether this tragedy could have been avoided and how we can work more effectively in such cases.
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