A PIZZA takeaway has closed temporarily over 'operating standards' with no information yet on when it will reopen again.

Papa John's in The Bull Ring, St John's, Worcester has closed with a sign in the window alerting customers, informing them the business will reopen 'very soon'.

READ MORE: Antique shop to close after 40 years

READ MORE: Thief ran out of shop 'faster than Usain Bolt' 

The sign at the shop, on the corner of The Bull Ring and Henwick Road, reads: "Papa John's in Worcester is closed temporarily because of operational issues.

"We look forward to reopening very soon."

Worcester News: Papa John's has shut 'temporarily' says sign in window. Photo: James Connell (Newsquest)Papa John's has shut 'temporarily' says sign in window. Photo: James Connell (Newsquest) (Image: Papa John's has shut 'temporarily' says sign in window. Photo: James Connell (Newsquest))

A statement has also been released by Papa John's this morning, adding further detail which suggests operating standards may have been compromised. 

A spokesperson said: "Papa John's restaurants in the UK are 100 per cent franchisee-owned.

"Papa Johns has been helping the franchise owner of these independently operated restaurants through a difficult period but certain locations now need to be closed temporarily while some issues are resolved.

"Papa John's has important operating standards to protect franchisees, team members and customers. If these standards are ever compromised, additional measures need to be taken that can impact a restaurant staying open."

We have requested more detail about when the takeaway closed and when it is likely to reopen. 

A spokesman added: "At this point, the timeline for reopening has not been determined. We are hoping to come to a resolution quickly for the benefit of all involved."

Hygiene inspectors carried out a visit to the pizza takeaway on February 19 last year.

It scored Papa John's in Bull Ring a four out of five for its hygiene standards.

A four rating means that the standards are 'Good'.

During the inspection, hygienic food handling and management of food safety were both rated as Good.

However, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building was found to be generally satisfactory.

This area of the inspection covers cleanliness and condition of facilities and building (including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control) to enable good food hygiene.

There are more than 450 Papa John's stores in the UK with the nearest branches to Worcester in Droitwich, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster.