A Closure Order has been placed on a Raynes Park convenience store. Grand Fresh Market was closed down on 12 December following a complaint from a member of public who reported seeing gnawed food on the shelves.

The store sold a wide range of products, from rice to fresh fruit.

Merton Council officers discovered an active rat infestation, droppings and contaminated foodstuffs, and judged the situation so severe it posed an imminent risk to public health. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served, and the premises was closed immediately.

At a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on 19 December, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was awarded, and the premises must remain closed until Council officials are satisfied the health risks have been eliminated.

Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride said:

“Rogue premises such as these cannot be tolerated. We’re grateful to members of the public who report substandard or unhygienic businesses to the Council, so we can swiftly address any risk to public health.”

Post script: The premises have subsequently reopened, having satisfied environmental health officers the problems have been rectified.