Today, Monday 21st July at midday, a prohibition notice served by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) in relation to Beech Rise and Willow Rise in Kirkby, Knowsley comes into effect.
MFRS has previously identified a number of fire safety deficiencies associated with both Beech and Willow Rise in Kirkby. Enforcement notices have previously been served outlining the matters requiring attention and the timeframes for completion.
As a result of the deficiencies not being addressed within these timeframes, MFRS have issued failure to comply letters to the relevant parties and served a prohibition notice on Tuesday 15th July 2025. As a service, we are conscious of the impact that prohibiting the use of any premises can have on the residents and the Local Authorities, but the safety of residents is always at the forefront of our minds.
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council has provided suitable and sufficient interim safety measures up to this point which it has funded at significant cost despite this not being its responsibility. This has allowed time for residents to be informed of the ongoing situation and the prohibition, so they could make alternative accommodation arrangements. MFRS, in collaboration with Knowsley Council continues to work diligently in supporting residents throughout this period.
Today, in the absence of any suitable plans to remediate the fire safety shortfalls within Beech and Willow Rise and in full knowledge that the interim measures provided by Knowsley Council can no longer be sustained, in the interest of residents’ safety, the prohibition notice comes into full effect. This means that any remaining residents will be legally required to vacate the premises.
Residents have been advised to leave before 12 noon 21st July 2025 as their safety in the building cannot be guaranteed once the waking watch ends and their safety may be at risk if they choose to stay. Officers from MFRS and Knowsley Council have been on site throughout the morning to offer advice. MFRS officers have also been knocking on doors within the buildings to explain the prohibition is in effect and that residents should leave the premises in the interest of their safety. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and could lead to legal proceedings.
It is important to note that at no time have fire officers or council officers sought to enter residents’ flats and no one has been or will be forcibly removed from the buildings.
MFRS takes its responsibility as an enforcing authority seriously. The serving of any prohibition notice is not a matter taken lightly and such decisions are made with the safety of our communities in mind. Whilst we are very aware of the practical and emotional impacts our actions will have on residents, their families and loved ones; we cannot in good conscience disregard the fire safety shortfalls present in these buildings coupled with the lack of any suitable and sufficient plan to deal with the deficiencies. Our decision to serve the prohibition notice has been made with the full interest, safety and welfare of the residents at heart.