THERE was an increase in the number of food hygiene notices handed out to businesses in the area by Environmental Health officers last year.

Food Hygiene Inspection Notices were issued to 26 businesses over 2011/12 following 38 complaints from members of the public and 527 scheduled inspections by Epping Forest District Council officers.

This is up from 18 notices issued in 2010/11.

The Green Man pub in School Road, Toot Hill, near Ongar was given five notices over the period.

One notice was issued in April last year after broken and damaged flooring was found by inspectors, two were issued in December last year and two in March this year for the same offence.

A Health and Safety Improvement Notice was also served.

Billy Duffy took over as the landlord on Monday (May 7) and said: “That kitchen is now spotless.

“It has had a deep clean and I throw the doors open for anyone to come and inspect it.

“Some of the equipment in the kitchen was defective and it was not as clean as it could have been and we have fixed the flooring.”

The worst offender was Sprays Bakeries Ltd in Lambourne Road, Chigwell, which was handed seven notices in total in October last year.

Owner Peter Spray said: “There is a court case coming up over the notices and I will not comment until it is over.”

An Epping Forest district Council spokeswoman said: “Legal proceedings have been instigated against this company.”

Below is a full list of the businesses issued with the notices over 2011/2012.

Abbey Cafe, Market Square, Waltham Abbey – 4.

Cakes and Shakes, High Road, Loughton – 3.

Jasmine, Valley Hill, Loughton – 1.

Loughton BBQ, High Road, Loughton – 3.

Molens, High Road, Loughton – 1.

New China Chinese Takeaway, High Street, Epping – 1.

Shamrat, Queen’s Road, Buckhurst Hill - 1.