A KEBAB shop has been shut down after inspectors found an ‘”imminent risk to health”.

FA Charcoal Grill, in North Station Road, Colchester, closed suddenly on Friday after food hygiene experts successfully sought a court order.

Inspectors found due to “poor” maintenance, there is no hot running water to all sinks and basins, meaning employee’s hands and food preparation services could not properly be sanitised.

Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court found this constituted an imminent risk to health.

A notice pinned on the takeaway by Colchester Council officers states: “A duly authorised officer of Colchester Borough Council believes the premises, which is used for the the purpose of a food business, there exists an imminent risk of injury to health”.

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It adds: “Due to poor maintenance there is an absence of running hot water to the wash hand basin and sinks necessary to sanitise hands, equipment and food contact surfaces, thereby exposing customers to the potential transmission of pathogenic organisms which presents an imminent risk to health.”

As a result of the order, inspectors said: “The use of the said premises for the purposes of any food business is prohibited.”

Tina Bourne, Colchester councillor responsible for housing and communities, said: “People need to have the peace of mind when they walk into any pub, café, restaurant or takeaway that the food they order is going to be prepared properly in a clean and safe environment.

“We are committed to ensuring people have that security wherever they eat in Colchester and will take action against any premises not up to scratch.

She added: “I hope the steps we have taken against FA Charcoal Grill will be a clear message to other premises that they need to ensure they fulfilling the necessary standards.

“If not they could receive similar enforcement action from us.”

A court date has been set for next month.

The Gazette attempted to contact the owners of the takeaway yesterday but no response was received.