Fire safety report states CPS Shopping Centre could remain open while issues rectified

A fire safety report on the CPS Shopping Centre at Culcheth, where village traders have been given a 28-day eviction notice by their landlord on health and safety grounds, says the premises could remain occupied and operational while works were carried out.

Independent Councillor Neil Johnson has this morning revealed the contents of the letter from the Head of Prevention and Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service which casts serious doubt on claims made by the landlords of the CPS Shopping Centre that tenants need to leave the building on fire safety grounds.

Traders on the first floor of the CPS Shopping Centre recently received notice that they had 28 days to vacate the premises. The reasons cited were urgent electrical and fire safety works which could not be undertaken while they were in situ.
Cllr. Johnson has today made the “bombshell” letter from Steve McCormick, Area Manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue, public.
The summary report from Mr McCormick says:

“The Service completed a routine inspection of Culcheth Provisional Stores on 4th December 2024 which focussed on the common areas of the building.
“There were some issues identified, which resulted in an informal notice (Notification of Deficiencies) being issued to the managing agent for the building. The deficiencies included issues previously identified within a fire risk assessment that had been prepared by a third-party company, commissioned by the building owners. These issues had not been rectified at the time of our latest inspection. Further to this, a previous electrical safety inspection (conducted by a third party) had not been rectified.
“There were other issues identified around the logging of staff training, testing and maintenance of fire safety features, and lack of an appropriate fire safety plan in the event of fire.
“I believe that the deficiencies identified during the inspection can be remedied whilst the building remains occupied and operational. I do not believe that any works associated with remedying the deficiencies need impact upon the businesses carried on by the unit holders.
“Our Protection teams work with businesses to ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Order, and we try to minimise the impact on them, where possible, complying with the Enforcement Concordat to consider proportionality when issuing either formal or informal notices. In the case of CPS, we considered the use and occupancy of the building, the means of escape from the building and the method to raise the alarm in the event of fire. Because we were assured as to their current provision, the action taken was in the form of a Notification of Deficiencies as opposed to more formal action.
“The informal notice we issued requires no follow up action from our Protection officers; it is expected that the works could be completed over a period and that the deficiencies would be remedied by the next time we inspected, in line with our inspection regime for such premises.”

In response Cllr. Johnson said: “This is a watershed moment in the campaign to Save Our Shops at the CPS Shopping Centre.
“I am pleased to have obtained this written evidence from Cheshire Fire and Rescue, which will be crucial in strengthening our arguments that there is no need to terminate the leases of any traders operating from the CPS Centre. I thank Mr McCormick for making his position clear so comprehensively.
“The disruption to businesses, and the anxiety around loss of jobs and livelihoods, now needs to be properly re-considered. The Fire Service are clear in their letter that tenants do not need to vacate the building in order for any works to be carried out. Shops can stay open. Traders can keep on trading.
“Contrary to what was suggested by the landlords, there are no reasons on fire safety grounds for the CPS Shopping Centre tenants to be evicted. The reasons they gave for terminating the leases are not supported by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.”
Neil is now taking urgent action to step up the campaign and bring a halt to the evictions.
He added: “This morning, I have written to the solicitors who act for the landlord. I have provided them with a copy of the Area Manager’s report and I have asked them to urgently consider rescinding the eviction notices in light of what he says.
“I have reiterated my commitment to helping to find another way forward, to allow any works to be completed without tenants being forcibly removed from their premises. This way, we can safeguard jobs, livelihood and protect businesses in our villages. I will work with all parties on this and help to mediate any subsequent discussions on future arrangements.
“I have asked for an urgent reply to my request and I hope to be able to update you all again in the near future. No one wants to see people out of work or businesses close if they do not have to. I hope that we can all work together in light of Cheshire Fire and Rescue’s report to find a compromise solution that is agreeable to everyone.”
The shock closure announcement came via email to the CPS Shopping Centre traders from London-based owners Shivat Haminim Capital Ltd who acquired the premises in late 2021, stating they had encountered and resolved numerous legacy issues from the previous ownership.
The letter went on to say “In December 2024, an additional inspection by Cheshire Fire Authority further highlighted the urgency of these concerns. The report emphasized that these critical works must be undertaken within weeks to eliminate life-threatening hazards.
“Given the extent and complexity of the necessary repairs, with huge costs currently unknown, it is neither safe nor feasible to carry out these works while the Centre remains operational. In order for us to meet the current requirements and with the safety of tenants, employees and visitors our highest priority, we regret to inform you that The CPS Centre will officially close on 1st March 2025 to facilitate these essential upgrades.”