Blocked fire exits and obstructions on fire escape routes cost a high street discount store fines and costs of £36,000 following a visit from local authority health & safety inspectors.

The inspectors, who were responding to complaints by members of the public, found blocked and obstructed emergency exits, unsafe storage of stock and severe overstocking at a Poundstretcher store in Newbury, Berkshire. The Council’s prosecutor said overstocking at the premises led to enforcement action on three previous occasions.

Imposing the fines at Reading Crown Court the judge said that the breaches amounted to placing profit before safety.