PRIVATE landlords have been warned that they must ensure safety standards are met or face prosecution.

Blackburn with Darwen Council issued the warning after a court fined a private landlord £3,000 and ordered him to pay £418 in costs following breaches of safety legislation.

Frank Duffin, of Highfield House, Highfield Road, Darwen, was not in court to answer the allegations relating to a complex of flats he owns in Edmund Street, Darwen.

The council told magistrates Mr Duffin had received warnings that the complex did not have sufficient early warning systems in place to alert tenants in the event of a fire.

Mr Duffin was given a warning after a fire broke out at the Edmund Street flat complex.

Two fires broke out at the flats after he was issued with the warning, but fire officers found that adequate smoke alarms and heat detectors had still not been installed.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Services said: "This landlord was very lucky that no one was injured in these fires.

"Landlords must make sure they have adequate systems in place to alert their tenants in the event of fire to enable them to leave the premises before the problem becomes serious.

"If landlords do not comply with the legislation we will take action. This is a hefty fine and magistrates have sent a message to other landlords with this punishment."

Mr Duffin was prosecuted for breaching the Housing Act 1985.