Westminster City Council is offering free pest control training to restaurant managers to highlight the importance of having a professional contractor to prevent pests and show businesses how to get the most from the experts for their money. It follows a 100% increase in the number of closure orders issued to restaurants and takeaways in the city, which stipulate managers must improve basic hygiene levels through better cleaning, food handling and storage and dealing with pests before the premises can reopen. Cllr Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for community safety, explained more: "While the overwhelming majority of Westminster's 5,500 restaurants, takeaways and cafes score well on food hygiene and cleanliness a very small minority appear to be cutting corners to save money. "This is a hugely misguided way of saving cash as the costs incurred by closing a restaurant for a week for thorough cleaning, maintenance and pest control can often far outweigh the cost of paying staff an extra hour's wages for cleaning or a professional pest control contract. "We want to help restaurants in the recession and showing them the importance of pest control and how to do it cost effectively seems like a practical way we can actually boost business and ensure the well-being of diners." A total of 12 food premises in Westminster have been ordered to close temporarily since April, six in July alone - more than double the number from the same period last year. The council's Food Team and the British Pest Control Association are now offering to provide free pest control training to Westminster restaurants. Similar one-day courses in the private sector can cost up to £155. Restaurants interested in registering for the free training can contact Vicky Flatman from the Food Team on 020 7641 2334.