On 23 February Thames Magistrates’ Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, confirming the closure of Old Anokyekrom Restaurant, 36 Clarence Road, London, E5.

Environmental Health Officers visited the restaurant on Friday 19 February and discovered a mouse infestation in the bar and kitchen as well as in the area where customers are seated. The Officers also found evidence of cockroaches in the premises. The restaurant was immediately closed to prevent a risk to health.

Evidence of the West African restaurant s condition were presented to the Court on Tuesday 23 February, where the Judge granted an Order to keep the premises closed until Hackney Council’s Environmental Health Department is satisfied that there is no longer immediate risk.

The environmental health team will continue to closely monitor the premises restaurant while it undertakes work such as pest control and pest proofing . The premises currently remains closed.

Cllr Alan Laing, Member of Cabinet for Neighbourhoods, said: “This unhygienic restaurant was quite rightly closed by enviromental health officers whose job it is to protect customers from health risks posed by vermin.”