A BUSINESS owner whose much-loved firework shop was closed down after more than 20 years of trading has slammed inspectors who failed to tell him the outcome of a three-year-long appeal.
John Hebdon, who ran Firework Guy in Cundy Cross, was investigated by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR) in 2022 due to alleged breaches in the safe storage of explosive stock.
It resulted in his licence being revoked by the authority, before an appeal was launched to save John’s business which he had operated since 2001.
However, it was revealed on Monday that Judge Andrew Kinnier KC had dismissed the appeal - but John was left in the dark about the outcome until he was contacted by the Chronicle.
The 53-year-old said: “It’s been handled terribly and I’ve waited to hear the outcome for about three years since the licence was revoked.
“I had done all I could to appease inspectors and completely disagreed that I had even breached guidelines, but it was one man against many.
“They say they are taking action against businesses to keep people safe but that’s simply not the case.
“I was a responsible, knowledgeable seller who did everything for his customers, yet you see random people selling fireworks on social media.
“I can’t grasp how that’s deemed to be a fair situation.
“I’m devastated as this was my life’s work but I am determined to fight to clear my name - in this case South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are very much the judge and jury.”
Firework storage at John’s Grange Lane premises was questioned by inspectors, who said pallets used were not permitted and there was little in place to stop a fire from spreading if a spark occurred.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue licences the storage of fireworks and explosives and bosses said in nearly all cases, where an individual or business is acquiring, keeping, transferring, storing or manufacturing explosives, a licence will be required.
The decision to revoke Mr Hebdon’s licence was upheld at an appeal at Sheffield Coroner’s Court, following two days of hearing evidence.( Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Strelczenie said safety was of the utmost importance.
“We will not stand for people obstructing the work of our inspecting officers, who play such an important role in keeping local people safe,” he added.
“Unsafe sites also put our firefighters at risk, should an emergency occur.( “Explosives licence regulations, like all fire safety laws, are there to protect the public and prevent emergencies.
“While we’ll always try to work with licence holders, we are not afraid to use our powers to take appropriate enforcement action and revoke licensees when the safety of firefighters and the public is placed at risk.”
