PARTNERS of a Salisbury roofing company have both received a six-month prison sentence after carrying out unsafe work on a Bowls Club in Salisbury.

Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard how between April 23 and May 7 last year, Christopher Barham and Philip Robert Stanley Spring, both of Salisbury, of CB Roofing, were seen working on the roof of Five Rivers Indoor Bowls Club on Tollgate Road.

They were found to be working with "unsafe access, no edge protection, and nothing to prevent falls through the fragile roof material".

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also found that the partners failed to ensure that the work at height was properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.

Both men pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and received a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and must undertake 250 hours unpaid work.

They must both also pay costs of £1836.31, each.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Sue Adsett said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related injuries in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”