Maldon District Council successfully obtained a Hygiene Emergency Probibition Order (HEPO) today against a popular Maldon Fish restaurant.

The Environmental Health team obtained the order from Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in relation to Fish on the Quay, Church Street, Maldon.

A notice was served on Friday, June 13 on the restaurant operator, Mr Allen Brett, due to an "active and widespread" rat infestation at the site.

Officers moved quickly to ensure that residents and visitors health was protected.

They will now work with the operators to ensure that the necessary measures needed to remove the risk to health are implemented prior to the business re-opening.

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "Our officers took swift action against this business as soon as it became clear there was an imminent risk to public health.

"It is absolutely vital that food businesses are kept clean and in good repair in line with stringent food safety legislation.

"A failure to do so could potentially result in terrible consequences for the public and we will always take action against any owners not abiding by these laws.

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

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO) is a legal order issued by a court, usually a Magistrates' Court, to prohibit a food business from operating due to an imminent risk to public health caused by poor hygiene or food safety practices.

It's the next step after a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) is issued, and it essentially confirms the prohibition until the identified hygiene issues are resolved.

Maldon Nub News have approached Fish on the Quay for comment.