Tough action will be taken against high-risk food businesses but the decision to close them down is up to the courts, the council has said. 

It was revealed last week that almost a third, or 32 per cent, of takeaways and sandwich shops in Waltham Forest are putting customers' health at risk by failing to meet basic hygiene standards. 

The council has said it will "not hesitate" in prosecuting and naming and shaming the worst offenders, but ultimately its powers to permanently close a business are limited.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, cllr Clyde Loakes, said: "Our food safety inspectors will not hesitate to close down a takeaway or food related business if it poses a serious risk to public health and we will publically name and shame those responsible for poor and irresponsible hygiene standards. 

"We can and do issue temporary closure notices and take legal action against offenders but it is down to the courts to decide whether to order longer-term or permanent closure orders and consider further sanctions. 

He suggested educating businesses on how to drive up standards as a solution, and said it is not the council's "aim to close small businesses down". 

Four takeaways with the lowest possible hygiene rating of zero claim they have undergone vast improvements since their last inspection. 

Kebabish Original in Chingford Mount Road, Chingford, Spice E4 in Hale End Road, Highams Park, Ginger in Forest Road, Walthamstow, and Chick Inn in Hoe Street, Walthamstow all require urgent improvement.

Chick Inn owner, Gohar Khan, was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay council costs of £2,700 last month after health inspectors discovered a rat infestation.

Employee Malik Ijaz, 26, said the failings had occurred because Mr Khan trusted a long-serving employee to manage the business. 

"He gave the shop for one year to a new manager who cared more about making financial savings. The previous staff have been fired and he (Mr Khan) has recently spent thousands on upgrading the kitchen and store room. 

"Chick Inn are calling on the council to come back and re-inspect," said Mr Ijaz. 

Spice E4 was also exposed for its "filthy" conditions in September after dead and alive cockroaches were discovered throughout the premises, which is now under new management and has been re-named The Taste of India.

New owner Shavib Ali, told the Guardian: "The business was not being properly managed before, but I have invested a lot of money and time in improving the business as hygiene and cleanliness is very important to me. 

"All of the food is stored properly, the building has been re-decorated and deep cleaned inside and out and pest control continue to visit here regularly." 

Manager Limon Haque of Ginger, an Indian takeaway in Forest Road, claims the business was re-inspected in October but has not received its new hygiene rating.

The 29 -year-old, said: "Inspectors found some insects in the stock room which came from the empty basement downstairs.  

"The fuse board in the basement has been brought up to ground level and the basement completely sealed off.

"All of my staff have level 2 certificates in food safety and catering and pest control visit almost every two weeks. 

Kebabish Original closed down before Christmas.

In total, 72 of the 228 takeaways in the borough had a rating of zero to two, with 39 given a score of 1.

There is currently 60 fast-food outlets with a five star rating.