Hotel owners across Shropshire must ensure they carry out detailed fire risk assessments - for the sake of their guests and their business.

Matt Reeves, who leads the Health and Safety Division at Henshalls Insurance Brokers, in Newport and Shrewsbury, said it was vital that business owners should take the risks seriously.

"Many hotel owners may feel fire risk assessments are just another level of bureaucracy to deal with.

"But the case of the Penhallow Hotel owners in Newquay is a clear indication that they're far more important than that."

Three people died in a fire at the hotel in what was the most serious incident of its kind in the UK for 30 years. More than 80 people managed to escape, but the hotel was destroyed.

"The owners are now being prosecuted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, and are expected to appear in court in the next few weeks," said Matt.

"The summonses were served by Cornwall County Council on the owners and three employees following what they said was a 'comprehensive investigation into the fire precautions' at the hotel.

"An inquest into the deaths recorded an open verdict after hearing more than three weeks of evidence, and although there was evidence that the fire started from a naked flame, investigators were unable to say for certain how it began."

Matt said the case should act as a warning to hotel and B&B owners across Shropshire that they could face extremely serious consequences if they ignore their responsibilities.

"If you're not sure about the criteria which must be covered in a fire risk assessment, ask for professional help.

"It's too important an issue to handle in a haphazard way, and completing an accurate survey of the risks will not only help you to protect your guests, but could protect your business in the long-term too."