A FAMILY-run scaffolding firm has been fined £8,000 for putting the public and its workers in danger while carrying out work in a busy Worcester street.

Alan Wilks, who established Alan Wilks Scaffolding Ltd in Evesham 26 years ago, his son James Wilks and son-in-law Dean Warren all appeared before Droitwich magistrates on charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

Simon Parry, prosecuting, said an inspector had been on his lunch break on Friday, May 4, when he saw scaffolding being put up above Timpson Shoe Repairs on the corner of The Shambles and Mealcheapen Street.

Guidelines say scaffolding must be put up at a time which will not put the public in danger, such as early mornings or evenings.

After collecting his equipment and calling a colleague, the inspector noticed there was no guard rail on the third level of scaffolding and the workmen, seven metres up, were not wearing helmets or harnesses.

Beneath, no measures had been taken to provide safe access for members of the public.

"No accident had occurred but the potential was high," said Mr Parry.

Alan Wilks, aged 54, of Cheltenham Road, Evesham, James Wilks, 31, of Synehurst, Badsey, and Dean Warren, 29, of Abbey View, Pinvin, admitted failing to protect the public and taking suitable steps to stop any person falling during work to set up scaffolding.

John Brookes, defending, said Wilks senior, who took a back seat when he made the two men partners of the business a year ago, took safety "very seriously".

The incident had come about because little things had gone wrong.

"Work was due to start at 5.30pm when the shops closed, but in the morning, the lorry loaded up with equipment had a defect," he said.

"They had to hire another which put them back significantly and, in the panic, someone forgot the helmets and harnesses. It was stupid but that's how it happened.

"They were supposed to do three other jobs beforehand and as they didn't have time to do the third job, they decided to go straight to The Shambles."

Mr Brookes, who accused the Health and Safety Executive of failing to put a stop to work at the earliest moment, said Wilks senior felt let down by the actions of his son and son-in-law, who was in charge at the time.

Magistrates fined the company £8,000 with £290 costs to be paid by each defendant.