Dear sir Regarding fire escape stairs Newgate st. [rear skateboard shop] Just to let you know I visited the premises earlier this week with the fire safety officer from Durham and Darlington fire brigade ,my remit is in connection with dangerous structures [if structurally unsafe] , the tenant of the property is currently making repairs to the fire escape [I am returning on Monday to check on progress] the fire escape is needed for fire safety of occupants of the building up to first floor level but as the building is currently not in use [only being used for storage] above that level the fire officer has agreed the fire escape is currently not required to the two upper floors, although I do not have any legislative powers to request the removal or blocking of a fire escape [if made structurally safe]the tenant has agreed to block access to the fire escape at the top two floors If you wish to discuss this please contact me on the numbers below Brian Wade MRICS Senior Building Control Officer Operational Planning Development Management Regeneration and Local Services Room G/10-16 County Hall Durham DH1 5UL Tel: 03000 260832 Mobile 07966318836 brian.wade@durham.gov.uk