A spa and health club in Derbyshire has been served with a fire safety enforcement notice just weeks after a chemical leak led to customers being hospitalised.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) visited Clifford Health Club and Spa, located on Regent Street in Long Eaton, in January 2025. Following their inspection, an enforcement notice was issued on 3 February, highlighting concerns related to risk assessment, emergency routes and exits, and staff training.

Erewash Borough Council has confirmed to the BBC that an investigation into the 7 January chemical leak at the facility is still ongoing.

Fire Safety Concerns Identified

Fire and rescue authorities issue statutory notices when they identify a significant fire risk that is not being adequately managed. These notices specify necessary improvements and deadlines for compliance.

Failure to adhere to fire safety regulations can result in penalties, including fines and, in severe cases, prison sentences. Minor breaches may lead to fines of up to £5,000, while major offences can result in unlimited fines and imprisonment for up to two years.

The enforcement notice for Clifford Health Club and Spa has been published on the National Fire Chiefs Council's Enforcement Register. It references several sections of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including:

• Duty to take general fire precautions
• Risk assessment
• Principles of prevention to be applied
• Emergency routes and exits
• Procedures for serious and imminent danger and for danger areas
• Safety assistance
• Provision of information to employees
• Training

Ongoing Investigation and FOI Request

In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the BBC, DFRS confirmed it holds three fire safety-related letters between itself and Clifford Health Club and Spa. However, it declined to release the correspondence, citing reasons such as personal data protection, potential risks to public safety, and confidentiality of commercial or industrial information. The BBC has since appealed against this decision.

Customer Concerns

Enid Hollingworth, 71, from Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, was among those hospitalised following exposure to the chlorine leak. Speaking to the BBC, she described fearing for her life while using the swimming pool and spa.

Two other women, who also received hospital treatment, criticised the way staff managed the incident, with one stating:

"Instantly I can't breathe, my lungs are burning."

Fire Service Response

A spokesperson for DFRS commented:

"Following an incident or false alarm at any premises regulated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, our protection department will engage with the responsible person.

"This can include carrying out a fire safety audit to ensure compliance with legislation."

DFRS has not confirmed whether the recent fire safety audit was directly linked to January’s chemical leak. Meanwhile, Clifford Health Club and Spa has been contacted for comment.

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