Restaurant shut down after Great Yarmouth Borough Council inspection reveals cockroach and rat infestation

Following a report from a member of the public that cockroaches had been spotted, Great Yarmouth Borough Council environmental health officers carried out an unannounced food hygiene inspection at Metropole restaurant on June 17.

At the restaurant, on Marine Parade, inspectors found a cockroach and rat infestation throughout the food premises. As a result, the council served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the business which required the restaurant to close immediately.

At a hearing at Norwich Magistrates' Court on June 19, officers secured an order which means Metropole restaurant will remain shut until the council is satisfied the required health standards are met and conditions have improved.

A GYBC spokesperson said: ''Cockroaches and rats can cause illness through contamination of food which poses an imminent risk of injury to health. As soon as we were alerted to a potential issue at the store our environmental health team carried out an immediate inspection and the business was closed down.

''We have a huge number of food businesses in the borough and most work hard to meet the required standards of hygiene. However, we will always take action to protect the public when people fail to maintain the expected standards.''

"It is essential businesses dealing with food maintain hygiene and food safety at all times -  public safety must be right at the top of their priorities. Our Environmental Health team is always on hand to work with businesses to offer guidance and advice so they can operate safely."

To contact a member of the Environmental Health team email [email protected] or telephone 01493 846478.