A CITY takeaway was forced to close down overnight after it was found to be infested with rats.

Council officials uncovered the vermin at Freddie's Food Club, in Knightswood, during a routine inspection last Tuesday.

They immediately served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition notice (HEPN) on the owners of the takeaway forcing them to shut up shop at once.

A council spokesperson said: "The council served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) upon the operator of Freddie's Food Club, 2139 Great Western Road.

"This happened on August 26.

"The premises were being inspected routinely when a rat infestation was discovered. The HEPN notice was served at that time.

"As is normal, we will monitor ongoing compliance with the HEPO, which requires that the premises do not trade as a food business until the imminent risk to health has been removed."

The takeaway, which sells a mixture of food including pizza, kebabs and curries, reopened last night after being given the all-clear by council inspectors.

When contacted by the Evening Times, Rav Bajwa, manager at the Knightswood takeaway, said: "There have been rumours saying we've been closed down because we're bankrupt or whatever, but we've been having extraction work done.

"We are open now, the work was finished last night."

A council spokesman confirmed that the eatery had been given the green light to reopen following extermination of the rodents and another inspection.

In the last year, six other food retailers across the city have been issued with HEPNs, including restaurants and grocers.

hannah.rodger@ eveningtimes.co.uk