THE fire service has found “inadequate alarm systems and escape routes” in a Taunton town centre building.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service issued a Prohibition Notice to the owners of the building on 33 Fore Street.

The building also includes a shop on the ground floor, which will “remain open as usual”, a spokesperson for the service said, as "the notice applies only to the first and second floor (the flats)”.

Somerset County Gazette: A photo showing the shop and the building on Fore StreetA photo showing the shop and the building on Fore Street (Image: Newsquest)

Somerset County Gazette: The notice on the shop's front doorThe notice on the shop's front door (Image: Newsquest)

The spokesperson also said: “We identified several fire risks in the building, including inadequate fire alarm systems and escape routes.

“As is usual practice we have issued a Prohibition Notice to the owners, informing them of the changes required to ensure they meet business fire regulations.”

As explained on Gov.uk, a Prohibition Notice “takes effect immediately if the fire and rescue authority thinks the fire risk is so great that access to your premises needs to be prohibited or restricted”.