A TAKEAWAY was closed after it was found to be infested with cockroaches.

Blackburn magistrates heard there was a history of pest problems at the Bastwell Curry Centre and a history of non-compliance with environmental health directives.

Mohammed Ayaz Iqbal, 43, of Pleck Farm Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to five charges under the Food Hygiene Regulations.

He was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £1,500 costs.

But at court Iqbal, who has owned the business for 16 years, said that he had asked for help from environmental health officers after the infestation had spread from a neighbouring property.

Chris Kehoe, prosecuting, said the offences related to a visit by inspectors in March but there had been other visits when advice had been given.

In March inspectors found a cockroach trap in an upstairs store room covered in adult and young creatures. Several more traps were put out and the following day they were found to have live cockroaches.

Mr Kehoe said cockroaches had been noted as active in the upstairs store room in April 2007 and another report of them being active in most areas of the business in October that year.

He said: “There is a history of non-compliance and reports of problems going back to 2004.

“There was no food safety management system in place and none of the problems noted in April 2007 had been rectified by March of this year.

“It is our contention the defendant has had numerous chances to rectify the problems and did not take them. His approach to food storage and cleanliness puts the public at risk and that is what leads to this prosecution.”

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said: “He has survived for such a long time in a competitive market because he has ensured there is hygiene in his kitchen.”

Mr Taylor said the more recent problem with cockroaches stemmed from neighbouring properties over which Iqbal had no control.

“He has raised this problem with the council but nothing has been done to assist him,” said Mr Taylor.