MAGISTRATES granted an order to close the basement of a bakery in Brynmawr after a court heard council officers found "filthy conditions" during an inspection.

Toddies Cafe and Bakery in Market Square, Brynmawr, was inspected by health and safety officers on Monday where they found rubbish close to a food preparation area, magistrates in Blackwood were told.

They closed the basement area immediately and were granted an order by the court on Thursday to keep the area closed. The ground floor cafe remains open, although there are boards to windows after recent vandalism.

Magistrates granted Blaenau Gwent county borough council a hygiene emergency prohibition order, and the owner offered no opposition to the application.

Andrea Jones, for the council, said officers discovered: "Filthy conditions with food waste and other debris, with significant risk of contaminating food products.

"It was quite clear from the inspection that there were serious problems of hygiene present there."

The order to remain closed will be in place until the council decides sufficient measures have been taken to bring the basement up to standard.

Proprietor Helen Todhunter said after the hearing she was working with council officers.

"We always have done," she said.

"We accept the basement wasn't up to standard and we are sorting it out.

"But it was only used for storage and mixing - all the other food preparation takes place in the kitchen.

"We will be moving the mixer to the kitchen now and carrying out the recommended work in the basement.

"Officers were happy for us to continue trading."