Rat infestation forces seafood restaurant to close

A seafood restaurant has been shut down after a widespread rat infestation was found at its premises.

Fish on the Quay was visited by hygiene officers from Maldon District Council, who took court action on Thursday.

Council leader Richard Siddall said "incredibly serious offences" had been identified at the venue in the Essex town.

When contacted by the BBC, a manager vowed to reopen on Friday and insisted "everything is great".

The restaurant in Hythe Quay - which is also home to a pub and a bed and breakfast - is "committed to sourcing the freshest ingredients", according to its website.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, made at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, meant health risks must be removed before reopening.

Council officers have been working with the business, which also offers a bed and breakfast service, to protect visitors, staff and nearby residents.

Siddall, a Maldon District Independent, said there had been an "imminent risk to public health".

He stressed having an "active and widespread" rat infestation could have had "terrible consequences" for customers.

"Whilst these are incredibly serious offences, we will work with the operator to improve the standards of cleanliness and make sure that they comply with food safety standards before they reopen," the council leader added.

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