Warwick Council shuts corner shop down amid fears of child exploitation
Mars Mini Market was also closed following concern for selling "illicit vapes"
Warwick District Council has closed down a corner shop in Leamington Spa amid concerns of child exploitation.
An order to shut down the premises was granted to the local authority by Coventry Magistrates' Court on Friday (May 30th), the council confirmed.
In their case, the council said it was following "serious concerns" that Mars Mini Market on Clemens Street was selling illicit vapes.
On top of this, officers had reason to suspect that the shop was being used as a means to facilitate child exploitation, following leads from residents.
The order was eventually carried out on Tuesday (June 3rd), with the council working together with Warwickshire Police and the country's Trading Standards association.
In a statement, the council defended the move, saying: "We took decisive action to prevent further harm from taking place."
Warwick District Council said that their intelligence regarding the shop's illegal doings came from local residents, which the authority thanked for their co-operation.
They added: "We strongly encourage everyone to continue reporting this type of behaviour, so we can respond swiftly and take firm action against any other businesses operating in a similar way."