A RESTAURANT OWNER in Connah’s Quay has been found guilty of using a hazardous basement for residential purposes.

Mr Sukur Ali, owner of the Zari Indian restaurant, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a prohibition order at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Thursday, and fined a total of £997.

The basement of the Connah’s Quay High Street restaurant was subject to a prohibition order which prohibited the premises from being used for sleeping and residential purposes because of the serious health and safety dangers present, including fire, excess cold, electrical and falls hazards.

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The Zari Indian restaurant in Connah's Quay. Picture: Google

Environmental Health Officers from Flintshire County Council were subsequently alerted to the fact that the premises had been reoccupied, before successfully prosecuting Mr Ali under housing legislation designed to protect health and safety.

Flintshire County Council’s cabinet member for planning and public protection, Councillor Chris Bithell, said: “This successful prosecution sends a clear message that Flintshire County Council will not tolerate the misuse of commercial premises as residential accommodation and the flouting of prohibition orders made to protect people’s health and safety.

“It reflects Flintshire County Council’s commitment to ensuring that accommodation provided to all is safe, in good repair and has all the necessary amenities.”