A LONG-ESTABLISHED family bakery has closed down with the loss of 25 jobs following a cockroach infestation at its premises.

Environmental health officers took out a court order against James Stephenson bakery in Blackhall, east Durham, this week, but promised to rescind the ruling once the risk to health was removed.

But today boss Martin Stephenson claimed he had been the victim of "heavy-handed" action and pledged not to reopen.

The bakery, which is Blackhall's biggest employer and supplies two of the region's major hospitals and scores of local suppliers.

The wrangle began on May 22 when a number of cockroaches were reported in premises next door to the bakery in the former mining village's Middle Street.

The bakery was also inspected and Mr Stephenson was informed that cockroaches had been found.

Two independent pest control firms were called in by the bakery and both described the problem as a "light infestation".

But despite the company's swift action an environmental health officer from Easington Disrict Council returned and informed Mr Stephenson of the proposed action at Peterlee Magistrates Court.

Speaking from the premises, first founded by his grandfather in the 1940s, Mr Stephenson said: "I am bewildered as to why the council has taken such heavy-handed action when we responded immediately to its complaint."

Well known for its pies, bread buns and confectionery, the business, said Mr Stephenson, had been trouble-free for generations and had established a fine reputation in the region. Easington council said its officers inspected the premises and found an infestation in close proximity to open food.

A spokesman said: "The court made an emergency prohibition order, which prohibits the use of James Stephenson Ltd, using their bakery in Blackhall for the purpose of a food business, as conditions at the premises posed an imminent risk of injury to health.

"The council will rescind the order once satisfied that the risk of health has been removed."

But 41-year-old Mr Stephenson, who has been shattered by the closure, said he would not re-open: "I am sorry so many people have lost their jobs and such loyal customers have literally been left in tears but I do not feel up to going on."