A Walthamstow takeaway has been closed after inspectors found it infested with mice and building works which led to a sewage leak
Another mouse-infested Walthamstow take-away has been closed by the council after its filthy conditions were uncovered by inspectors.
Eat Max at 46b Hoe Street was shut on March 9 after an inspection revealed a “catalogue of insanitary conditions”.
The shop was infested with mice, there was no hot water and the toilet was blocked causing sewage to leak into the passageway.
Inspectors found major building works being carried out while the business was operating, including excavations to dig up and expose the toilet sewage pipe in an attempt to repair it.
An “overpowering smell of sewage” was reported throughout the premises and food which should have been kept refrigerated was left at room temperature.
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served at Eat Max was closed.
The council team had previously visited the establishment in January when a schedule of works was given to the business owners in order to bring the premises up to scratch.
While the owners initially decided to temporarily close the outlet in February for the works to be carried out, they then re-opened it while hygiene standards were still lacking.
Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said: “It is quite unbelievable that this business thought it was OK to reopen while the building works were ongoing given that they included repairing a sewage pipe that was leaking.
“How they could imagine they could operate while the place stunk of sewage is quite beyond me.
“Couple that with the mouse infestation and lack of hot water and you have to conclude that the owners obviously have no respect whatsoever for the people who patronise their establishment.
“Frankly these people do not belong in business in this borough and we have obviously done all we can to hold them to account. We will now be looking at the prospect of a prosecution, which to my mind seems highly achievable.”
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was granted by Stratford Magistrates’ Court on March 12 and the premises will remain closed until the necessary works are carried out to the satisfaction of the Council’s Food Safety Team.
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