AN Italian restaurant has closed unexpectedly after having its water supply cut off.

The owners of Barocco’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, in Cuckstool Lane, Fence, were told to cease trading by Pendle Council’s environmental health officers on Friday.

It is understood the water supply was switched off due to unpaid bills.

Stuart Arnott, the borough’s public health manager, confirmed the restaurant had been issued with a Food Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

He said: “We issued the notice, which takes immediate effect, because the restaurant’s water supply has been cut off.

“The owners have agreed with the closure on a voluntary basis so court action will not be taken.

An extension of a restaurant of the same name in Egerton near Bolton, the Fence establishment opened in the former Forest Inn building more than four years ago.

The original restaurant closed earlier this year, after it was reported in The London Gazette that Campbell Crossley & Davis had been appointed liquidators.

Last year the same firm was brought in at the Fence restaurant.

Yesterday, the Cuckstool Lane eatery remained closed with copies of the Food Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on display on the door and in the windows.

The restaurant’s website was deactivated and attempts to contact its owners were unsuccessful.

Mr Arnott said: “We’re now waiting for confirmation of what their future plans are for the restaurant.”