ASHFIELD — Neighbors Convenience Store was shut down by the Board of Health and other regulatory departments on Friday after they found multiple building, fire and health code violations.

“Because of immediate concerns of health and safety, it was decided the store needed to be closed immediately,” said Health Agent Claudia Sarti.

The 244 Main St. business will be closed indefinitely until the code violations are addressed.

“Town officials will be working with store owners in the coming week to remedy these violations and we hope Neighbors will be open and operating soon,” Town Administrator Paul McLatchy III wrote in an email on Friday.

Sarti confirmed inspectors found an illegal apartment behind the convenience store when workers went to the building to perform repairs.

Asked about the closure, Sawkat Wally, the store’s owner, cited plumbing concerns and issues with the air conditioners. He said he bought the convenience store in rough condition and has been trying to fix it up.

Sarti said that because the air conditioners broke twice in one week, the deli department had to be shut down. The food was not being kept at proper temperatures, causing health code violations.

This led to further investigations at the store and the discovery of more violations. Investigations will continue on Monday, according to Sarti, when a plumbing and electrical inspection will be done. After that, the departments will compile a report.

“It is closed indefinitely as of right now,” Sarti said. She explained Wally will need to bring the store up to code to the satisfaction of the various regulatory departments before the store can reopen.

According to the Massachusetts Registry of Deeds, Kapoor & Brothers LLC bought the 244 Main St. property on Aug. 22, 2022.

“This is a terrible inconvenience for the people of Ashfield,” Sarti said, “but public health and safety go first.”

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.

An earlier version of this story included an incorrect name for the owner of Neighbors Convenience Store.

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