Posted on 01/09/2014 1:20:25 PM PST by nickcarraway
Safety bosses who shut down a ‘deathtrap’ Chinese restaurant were spoilt for choice on a menu of misdemeanours that could have blown up an entire neighbourhood.
Leaking gas pipes, botched electrical wiring and fire doors that had been screwed shut were among the flagrant safety breaches found at the eatery.
Describing the China House as a ‘ticking timebomb’, the experts said the faults could have caused an explosion that would have flattened streets and shut down the West Coast mainline.
They accused husband and wife owners Wen Qiang Cai and Yun Qin Weng of ‘putting profit before safety’ as they revoked the diner’s licence.
During an inspection at the building police also found the couple were using a bottled gas to cook meals, connected from the gas supply by leaky washing machine hoses.
The electricity meter had also been illegally tampered with and there was no escape route for staff and diners at the two-storey restaurant.
Police also reported suspicions that the restaurant – which boasts five karaoke rooms – was being used as a brothel and lap dancing club.
Fire safety officer Michael Walker said: ‘These premises were so dangerous that if a fire had started people could have lost their lives. The West Coast mainline is 200 yards away and the impact on the line could have cost millions of pounds to repair.’
The couple of Chorley, Lancashire, claim they have addressed the issues. They have been given 21 days to appeal against the order to close down.
Best to get to go order.
Or wanton WonTon?
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