TOWN hall safety chiefs are sending out a strong warning to landlords who could endanger the lives of their tenants by failing to provide essential fire safety equipment.

The advice follows the council's recent successful prosecution of a landlord after a fire last year at his property in The Haulgh area of the town.

Zahid Razzaq, of Silverton Grove, Astley Bridge, was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £300 costs after being prosecuted under the Housing (Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Regulations 1990.

Razzaq failed to ensure that all means of escape from fire and all other fire precautions were in place and maintained in good order at his property on Bromwich Street.

The problems were discovered after a fire at the property in June last year when two tenants had to be rescued by the fire service. Bolton magistrates concluded that there was evidence that the fire alarm systems were not working and found him guilty. Razzaq has indicated that he intends to appeal, although he has not done so yet. "Houses in multiple occupation are of particular concern," said Alan Doodson, the council's Assistant Director of Environmental Services. "There are 60 such properties in The Haulgh and landlords should be aware that we will not hesitate to take action again.

"The sort of problems we encounter are with fire alarm detectors, closing mechanisms of fire doors, lack of fire blankets and other safety equipment. We are also concerned about the level of management in these properties and the general neglect by landlords," he added.

If any landlord wishes to receive any advice and guidance in order to avoid such potentially serious incidents they should contact the Private Sector Housing team of Bolton Council's Environment Department on 336545.