A TAKEAWAY has been ordered to close after a serious rat and mouse infestation was discovered by health officials.

The Dhesi Grill in Linthorpe Road was shut down last Wednesday (March 18) following a routine food hygiene inspection by Environmental Health Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Public Protection Service.

Officers used their emergency powers to close the takeaway after they found evidence of a widespread rat and mouse infestation throughout the premises, together with poor standards of cleanliness and other serious contraventions of food hygiene regulations.

On Friday (March 20) Middlesbrough Council was granted a hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The order confirmed the Council’s actions and requires the business to remain closed until health officers are satisfied that the health risk conditions have been removed and the premises can be operated hygienically.

Environmental health manager Judith Hedgley said: “The evidence presented to Teesside Magistrates’ Court clearly showed a very serious rat and mouse infestation.

“While the closure of food businesses in Middlesbrough is extremely rare, on this occasion it was necessary to use our emergency powers to shut this business to protect public health.

“Once the infestation has been removed and the premises thoroughly sanitised the owner will be able to apply to the council for the court order to be removed.

“If we are satisfied that there are no longer any health risks then permission will be given to re-open.

“However, officers will continue to make regular visits to the premises to ensure there is no repeat of the conditions found.

“Officers will also carry out an investigation into the way the business was being operated and the reasons of the conditions found. A decision will then be made on any further enforcement action.”