A restaurant on Great Yarmouth seafront has been forced to close due to a cockroach infestation.
Following an unannounced hygiene inspection by Great Yarmouth Borough Council at Lek Thai on Marine Parade, a "widespread cockroach problem" was uncovered throughout the premises - including the food preparation area, bar and storerooms.
Cockroaches can cause illness through contamination of food, meaning they pose an imminent risk of injury to health.
On November 21, the council attended a hearing at Norwich Magistrates' Court where an order was granted to ensure the restaurant and takeaway remain shut until the council is satisfied health standards are met and conditions have improved.
Lek Thai's owner Tom Smith said he and his family have "stripped everything back" to tackle the issue.
He has taken on most of the repairs, including refitting a ceiling and filling holes and cracks. Part of the restaurant ceiling and the doorframe to the kitchen have also been fully repaired, he said.
"It is something we take very seriously," Mr Smith said.
"We have spent a lot of money to control it on our premises. But I think it's a larger issue with a lot more of this block affected."
Lek Thai sits between other businesses and residences on Marine Parade. Mr Smith said the restaurant had been regularly using pest control services after being informed cockroaches had been sighted elsewhere in the block in June.
Lek Smith, the head chef and manager of the restaurant, said it is a problem the whole block needs to address.
"We have to all face this and clear it together as a block," she said.
"We can make sure our restaurant is secure, but we can't cure the cause of the problem on our own."
Mrs Smith said she remains "up front" and vows the restaurant will meet the standards of customers.
"We rely on the public, and we value that," she said.
"When we reopen, we invite everyone to come in and look around to see if it meets their standards.
"Please give me that chance. I have nothing to hide."
Mr Smith said he hopes the council will carry out another inspection by the end of this week.
He hopes Lek Thai will re-open by the weekend.
Comments from Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Councillor Paul Wells, who chairs Great Yarmouth Borough Council's environment committee, said: ''We have many excellent food businesses that work hard to meet the required standards of food hygiene.
"However, there are unfortunately some occasions where some businesses fall short of the standards required.''
A spokesperson for the council added: ''It is imperative that food businesses maintain hygiene and food safety at all times, and it should be at the top of their priorities to ensure the safety of the public.
''Officers will not hesitate to act quickly if they believe public health is at risk.
"Our environmental health team wants to work with businesses to maintain high standards and officers are available to provide guidance and advice so people can operate safely."
To contact a member of the environmental health team, email health@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or telephone 01493 846478
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