GAMBLING Commission and Border Agency teams joined police on a late night crackdown on misdemeanours at some Widnes takeaways. During the night of checks they swooped on five fast food outlets and discovered that two did not have a premises licence holder. Border cops arrested three men at two of the venues for suspected immigration offences. Cheshire police also identified minor environmental health issues at three premises and reported them to Halton Borough Council. Chris Carney, Cheshire police licensing enforcement officer who led the operation, said: “This is one of a number of multi-agency operations that have been carried out in partnership in Halton. “Regular checks are carried out at premises across the borough to ensure that they adhere to their licence conditions. “Action will be taken against any premises in breach of their licence. “The laws surrounding late night refreshment premises exist to ensure that they operate safely. “The Safer Halton Partnership is committed to working together to monitor premises across Widnes and Runcorn and ensure that they are adhering to the conditions of their licence. “We urge residents to support our efforts and to be vigilant – report any issues or concerns in relation to late night refreshment premises in Runcorn or Widnes to us immediately.” Alison Wray, UK Border Agency regional head of enforcement, said: “We will continue to track down those who have no right to be living or working in the UK yet remain here. “This was a successful operation unearthing three immigration offenders. “The message is clear if you are here illegally we will find you, we will catch you and we will remove you from the UK.” Cllr Stef Nelson (environmental health), said: “Strict conditions are applicable to all licence holders, and we will always be vigilant in enforcing these rules in the interests of public health and safety and the good of the wider community.” | 
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