PLANS to move fire doors to remove a recess that has been used by rough sleepers has been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council.
The emergency exit from the HSBC UK at the corner of Broad Street and Market Place is now being considered by the planning department.
The bank is proposing to install a new exterior wall with timber panelled fire doors that will be stained dark brown – essentially what is currently there but to be flush with the bank’s existing walls.
There had been concerns expressed after the recess was turned into a bedded area by a homeless person. In doing so, the bedding – which remained in situ even when it was not being used – it made the fire escape dangerous.
In its application, HSBC notes: “The recessed alcove has become a problem in recent times, due to people begging and rough sleeping. No matter how many times those individuals are requested to move on, they always return. The presence of beggars and rough sleepers in this location raises two problems. Firstly, that of anti-social behaviour and secondly, that the fire exit door is frequently blocked. Both problems are unacceptable. HSBC, Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are aware of the problem and agree that a resolution must be found.”
There is concern that as the doors swing outwards, on to the pavement, it could block it and cause a hazard, but “it should be noted that this door would only be used for emergency fire escape and therefore it would be highly unusual for it to be opened. This part of the building is back office. In practice, unless there was a real emergency, public and staff would exit by the front door by which they entered the building. It will not be used for public access, staff entry or deliveries.”
An HSBC UK spokesperson told The Wokingham Paper: “Serious concerns were expressed earlier in the year about the fire escape of the Wokingham branch being blocked from the outside.
“As a responsible business we need to ensure that both customers and staff can get out quickly and safely should there be a fire in the branch or if there is a need for an evacuation. The simple changes we are making to the branch provide a long-term solution.”
The Wokingham Society has submitted a comment to the planning site, giving its endorsement to the plan.
“The Wokingham (Civic) Society planning officer has reviewed this application and has no objection to this proposal,” it says.
