Bollywoods Fined £40,000

Indian restaurant Bollywoods in Fore Street have been fined £40,000 for flouting fire safety regulations.

Owner Halif Ali pleaded guilty to a string of offences at Hertford Magistrates Court yesterday, following a raid in March of this year.

Fire safety officers visited the premises just days after a raid by The Border Agency, in which a number of illegal immigrants were found living above the restaurant. The upper floors were immediately served with a prohibition notice.

Officers found blocked fire escapes, faulty wiring and missing floorboards. In addition, there was no firefighting equipment. The stairs were also being used as storage space.

The prohibition notice is currently still in place.