TOWN Hall food control officers closed down a Luton takeaway after discovering an infestation of cockroaches.

During a routine hygiene inspection at Dixy Chicken, Dunstable Road, they found "a considerable number" of live insects in the food preparation and storage areas of the eaterie.

Luton Borough Council said that owing to the serious risk to public health, officers had no alternative other than to close the business immediately and prevent trading to allow a thorough pest treatment and deep clean.

At a court hearing yesterday (June 18), magistrates agreed with the council's decision.

They also ordered the proprietor, Javed Iqbal Naeen, to pay the council £2803.24 in costs.

The takeaway was allowed to reopen that lunchtime, after being closed for two days, following a further inspection of the cleansed premises.

Councillor Joan Bailey, who has special responsibility for environmental health, said: "I hope the closure of Dixy Chicken and the award of substantial costs against the proprietor sends out a clear message that unhygienic food premises will not be tolerated in Luton.

"The council will continue to clamp down on any proprietor who persistently put the health of their customers at risk."