AN INDIAN takeaway in Ledbury has closed down after council officers found cockroaches inside the premises during an inspection.
Hereford Magistrates Court has upheld Herefordshire Council’s decision to shut down Paradise Balti and Tandoori on Bye Street following the shocking discovery.
Council bosses, who have powers to close down businesses on safety grounds, said it is the first time in a number of years the authority has had to force the closure of a business due to the seriousness of the case.
They stressed the premises will not open again until conditions have improved to necessary standards.
Officers at the council took a routine and unnanounced inspection of the premises on Thursday (December 3).
During the inspection, the case officer considered an infestation of cockroaches had posed an imminent risk to health and, as required under the food hygiene regulations, served an emergency prohibition notice on the premises and arranged a hearing at Hereford Magistrates Court.
On Monday (December 7) magistrates signed a formal closing order to shut down the takeaway with immediate effect with costs of £500 being awarded to Herefordshire Council.
Sarah Osborne, principal environmental health officer and one of the case officers said, “We are pleased that the court confirmed the notice, reflecting the seriousness of the matter.
“Our aim is to put the safety of our public first, although we are also working closely with the business to ensure that it can be opened up as soon as the situation has improved.”
Anyone who wishes to make a complaint about a food business in Ledbury should contact the council’s environmental health service on 01432 261761 or email [email protected].
