People and communities
Cockroach infestation forces Walsall Butchers to close
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Walsall Council environmental health officers were recently shocked to find yet another cockroach infestation, this time at SM Butchers on Stafford Street, Walsall.
Walsall Council environmental health officers were recently shocked to find yet another cockroach infestation, this time at SM Butchers on Stafford Street, Walsall.
The Butchers was shut with immediate effect on Thursday 27 October 2022 with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice. The closure was confirmed at Walsall Magistrates Court on Monday 31 October. Officers said that the infestation of German cockroaches was widespread and severe.
The premises will not be authorised to reopen until a pest control company has been engaged, eradicated the infestation and the premises have been thoroughly cleaned.
“ Cockroach infestations are a serious public health concern and I want to thank our environmental health officers once again for their hard work to keep our community safe.
As the weather gets colder, many pests will be looking for somewhere warm to live so business owners need to be even more vigilant to ensure that premises are kept clean and entry points into the property are dealt with.
We want to see local businesses flourish so these closures are not taken lightly. We are always keen to engage with business owners to give advice and guidance to help prevent these issues arising. “
ENDS
Note to Editor
Cockroaches can contaminate foodstuffs with their droppings and dirt carried on their bodies. They can also potentially transmit dysentery, gastro-enteritis, typhoid and food poisoning infections such as salmonella. Because of the risk cockroaches present to public health, there is a legal duty on property owners, occupiers and business operators to keep their properties free from cockroaches.
