A FORMER Runcorn takeaway owner has been fined for serious breaches in fire safety.

The Win House Chinese takeaway on Church Street, which is now under new management, was fined £7,515 after people were living above the shop with no fire alarm installed.

Warrington Magistrates also heard the building’s only escape route was through the commerical kitchen areas.

Keith Brooks, Cheshire Fire’s head of community fire protection, said: "The owner of this business was putting lives at considerable risk from fire.

“People living and sleeping in a workplace must be able to escape.

"The issues found here are of concern to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to all takeaway premises and we urge these businesses to check that their fire safety arrangements are suitable and appropriate.”