A FILTHY takeaway was shut down after rat droppings were found in the kitchen.

Health and safety bosses closed SFC, in Southchurch Road, Southend, after an inspection found a catalogue of filth, Southend Magistrates’ Court was told. Health inspectors found rat dropping near the staff toilet, gnawed wallpaper, rat droppings in the kitchen, and the smell of rat urine. The cellar was also covered in rat droppings.

Prosecutor Tessa O’Connell said there were vents in the side of the building which would allow rats access as well as gaps in pipework.

Takeaway boss Sabir Shah, 31, of Barking Road, London, had been told to carry out a series of works in August to stop pests from getting into the building. An inspection was carried out in October, and found the work had not been carried out.

Shah admitted three counts of failing to apply with a hygiene improvement notice.

He also admitted a further three counts of breaching hygiene rules.

The court heard how Shah had been declared bankrupt and was trying to sell the business in the run-up to the latest inspection.

Health inspectors closed the takeaway for two days while improvements were carried out.

SRC is now closed and in the hands of the official receivers, the court was told.

Magistrates fined Shah a total of £5,500 and ordered him to pay £930 costs of the prosecution.