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Ipswich property firm fined £60,000 over fire safety breaches

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An Ipswich property management company and its director have been sentenced for breaching fire safety regulations at an apartment block with dangerous cladding.

Home from Home Property Management Ltd and director Edward Ottley were found guilty of eight offences relating to fire safety breaches at flats on Wolsey Street in Ipswich.

Photo of the flats on Wolsey Street
When SFRS officers inspected the flats on Wolsey Street in 2019, they found multiple safety issues remained unaddressedOliver Rouane-WilliamsSFRS

At Ipswich Crown Court, the company was fined £60,000 while Ottley, 62, received a 10-month suspended prison sentence and 120 hours of unpaid work. They must also pay £49,500 in costs to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The court heard that in 2017, it was discovered the building had aluminium composite cladding similar to that involved in the Grenfell Tower fire.

However, Home from Home provided inaccurate information about the cladding's risk level to a fire risk assessor.

When SFRS officers inspected in 2019, they found multiple safety issues remained unaddressed, including:

  • An outdated fire risk assessment that didn't account for the cladding risk

  • Problems with escape routes and fire alarms

  • Residents not properly informed about evacuation procedures

Councillor Steve Wiles of Suffolk County Council said, "The safety and wellbeing of the public is paramount, and when the actions of companies such as Home from Home undermine that it is only right that they are held to account."

SFRS said the case should send a "clear message" about the importance of fire safety compliance.

The company has appointed a new assessor and is working to remove the cladding.

Home from Home Property Management was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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New Wolsey Theatre calls for nominations to honour Ipswich's everyday heroes

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Attwells Solicitors

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Ipswich residents are invited to nominate their personal heroes for recognition at the New Wolsey Theatre's free community event on Saturday, 31 May.

Why it matters: The superhero-themed event will spotlight everyday people making positive impacts in the Ipswich community through a new art piece and various celebrations.

The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich
The New Wolsey Theatre in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The Big Afternoon runs from 2-4pm at the New Wolsey Theatre, featuring:

  • Live entertainment

  • Cosplay characters

  • Retro arcade games

  • Face painting

  • Arts and crafts

  • Opportunities to go on stage

What they're saying: Tony Casement, Head of Creative Communities at the New Wolsey Theatre, said: "The Big Afternoon has something for everyone so come along to our family friendly, free mini festival and join the fun. There's music and dance, art activities to get involved in and the chance to meet your heroes during our superhero walk about. Tell us who your heroes are so we can celebrate many of the amazing people who are making a difference in Ipswich every day."

The Big Afternoon 2025 at New Wolsey Theatre poster
The Big Afternoon 2025 at New Wolsey TheatreNew Wolsey Theatre

How to nominate: Residents can submit nominations:

The bigger picture: The theatre is seeking stories about local champions who have helped others, from supportive neighbours and inspiring teachers to healthcare workers and loyal friends.

How to attend: While the event is free, the theatre requests attendees book tickets to help estimate numbers:

The bottom line: The family-friendly event offers Ipswich residents a chance to celebrate individuals who make a difference in their community while enjoying a variety of free entertainment activities.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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