A takeaway was shut down by the council after a customer spotted live cockroaches on the floor.

On November 12, a court ordered Royal Chicken and Pizza in Walthamstow to pay Waltham Forest Council more than £1,000 in court costs and agreed it may not reopen until it no longer poses a health risk.

Council officers inspected the Hoe Street business on November 5 after a member of the public reported seeing cockroaches inside.

On finding the takeaway was indeed infested and unclean, they shut it down immediately.

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A photo from the inspection on November 5 (WF Council)

Deputy leader Cllr Clyde Loakes said: “Time and time again, I see food businesses in dereliction of their duty in terms of food safety standards – and in the middle of a global pandemic, too.

“I want to underline that we will not tolerate any risk to residents’ health, now or ever.

“Businesses who serve food to the public have a duty to maintain the highest of standards of cleanliness - or face the consequences.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

A photo from the inspection on November 5 (WF Council)

Thames Magistrates Court awarded the council a Hygiene Emergency Protection Order and granted full costs of £1,106.63.

In late October, the council shut down a Leytonstone Thai restaurant that was so unclean that photos from it reportedly sickened a judge.

Residents can learn more about how the council enforces food hygiene here or check the hygiene rating of the borough’s businesses here.

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