A CLOSURE order remains in place at a Dudley hotel which was forced to shut its doors following a breach of coronavirus rules.

The Himley Country Hotel in Himley was ordered to close by Staffordshire County Council for coronavirus regulation breaches, including a lack of face mask wearing by staff and guests and poor standards of cleanliness, which were deemed to pose an imminent threat to public health back in November.

A closure order was served on the School Road hotel on November 13, 2020, due to what council chiefs described as continuing reports of anti-social behaviour taking place in Himley and the surrounding area.

A hearing regarding the closure began last Friday (February 12) but was adjourned until March 2 and the order remains in place until then.

Councillor Roger Lees, deputy leader and cabinet member for planning and regulatory services at South Staffordshire Council, said “South Staffordshire Council has used the powers available to reassure residents and to stop anti-social behaviour reoccurring."

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Wain from Staffordshire Police added: “We are working with South Staffordshire Council to ensure there is a long-term solution in place to reduce anti-social behaviour."

Anyone who has any concerns about anti-social behaviour in their community can report it to the police by calling 101 or online on the 'report a crime' section of the Staffordshire Police website.