A PIZZA and kebab takeaway has been closed because of poor standards of hygiene.

Guisborough magistrates confirmed a decision taken by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's food team to close the Village Takeaway, in Sycamore Drive, Brotton.

An emergency prohibition notice was served on the takeaway under section 12 of the Food Safety Act after a routine inspection last week by food team officers.

The court confirmed the notice, which now becomes an emergency prohibition order, keeping the premises closed until the proprietor applies for it to be lifted.

The notice, posted on the takeaway's window, cites three reasons for closure - serious contraventions of the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995, lack of routine cleaning, and foodstuffs at risk of contamination.

The council's food safety manager Paul Stenson said: "This is the first closure we have been involved in this year and only the second in two years - it is action only taken in exceptional circumstances where there is an imminent risk to health.

"We are in contact with the proprietor, and he has indicated to us that he will be asking the food team to reassess the conditions."