A PIZZA takeaway shop has been closed down after a cockroach infestation was discovered during a routine food safety inspection.

An emergency prohibition order was granted at Teesside Magistrates' Court after inspectors visited Raphael Pizzeria, on Station Road, Redcar, early last week.

Inspectors forced the shop to close immediately on Tuesday after they discovered serious breaches of hygiene legislation and two days later officers were granted the order to keep the premises closed until it was cleaned up and given a clean bill of health.

The owner of the food business will be able to apply for the court order to be lifted once the premises have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, measures have been taken to eliminate the cockroach infestation and food can be prepared safely.

However, the takeaway will not be allowed to re-open until it has been inspected by food safety officers and they are satisfied that it can be operated hygienically.

Councillor Lynn Pallister, the council's cabinet member for health and housing said: “Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council will always act quickly to close unsafe premises like these where the health of our residents is at risk.

“Any establishments operating unhygienic businesses in the borough will be dealt with effectively.”