A TAKEAWAY has been closed after conditions there were described as a risk to public health.

Mouse droppings, poor standards of cleanliness and other hygiene breaches were found at Sicilianos Pizzeria, on Rothbury Road in Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough, when it was visited by Environmental Health Officers as part of a routine food hygiene inspection on Tuesday (December 10).

Judith Hedgley, environmental health manager at Middlesbrough Council, said: “When the officers started their inspection they immediately found signs of a serious mouse problem throughout the premises, together with poor standards of cleanliness.

“The conditions presented a risk to the food prepared in these premises and the only option was to formally close the premises using our legal powers."

On Thursday, December 12, Middlesbrough Council was granted a Court Order by Teesside Magistrates prohibiting the use of the premises as a food business.

This means the takeaway must remain closed until officers are satisfied that the business has taken adequate steps to improve conditions and there is no longer a risk to public health.