Negligent fire safety precautions have been branded “appalling,” by a Sheffield councillor.

Fire safety risks have driven residents of the Riverside Apartments on Mowbray Street in Sheffield out of their properties. 

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue served a prohibition notice on Wednesday April 15th. The article 31 notice prohibits occupiers from sleeping in the apartments due to “an excessive risk to persons in case of fire.”

Green Councillor Douglas Johnson of the City Ward said: “It’s an appalling situation for all the residents concerned. Imagine coming home from work and finding a notice taped to your door saying that you are prohibited from staying overnight in your own home – with no notice.”  

Cllr Johnson added: “If anything demonstrates the negligence of managing agents for blocks of flats, this is a prime example.  This was not the first formal notice served on the managing agents – the Fire Service had previously taken action in March to state that they were breaking the law by having inadequate fire safety measures.

“The managing agents have refused to arrange emergency accommodation leaving residents to fend for themselves in very stressful circumstances.  I have been liaising with the Fire Service and homelessness service in the meantime.”

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Fire and rescue said: “The notice prohibits sleeping within the residential flats at any time due to inadequate means of escape. It will remain in force until the matters are remedied and the notice is withdrawn. 

Business fire safety officers will continue to work with the business to support them in resolving the above issue and to enable the notice to be lifted.”

It remains unclear when residents will be allowed to return. 

Barnsdales, the associated property management company, have been contacted for comment.