A CLOSURE order has been extended at a Dudley hotel which was forced to shut its doors following a breach of coronavirus rules.

Staffordshire County Council ordered The Himley Country Hotel in School Road, Himley, to close in November due to a breach of Covid-19 rules deemed to pose an imminent threat to public health.

Concerns raised included a lack of facemask wearing by staff and guests, poor standards of cleanliness and concerns about anti-social behaviour taking place in Himley.

A review of the closure order took place on March 22 to determine whether an extension should be granted and the order has now been extended until May 12, council bosses confirmed today.

Councillor Roger Lees, deputy leader and cabinet member for planning and regulatory services at South Staffordshire Council, said: “South Staffordshire Council is keen to reassure residents that their concerns have been heard and powers available to the local authority have been used to their full potential."

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Wain, from Staffordshire Police, said neighbourhood police would continue to work with the council to tackle any issues of anti-social behaviour in the community and he urged anyone with any concerns to report matters to the police by calling 101 or via the Staffordshire Police website.