Cockroach infestation temporarily closes M40 services

Food outlets have been temporarily closed due to the cockroach infestation

Food outlets at a motorway service station have been temporarily closed following a cockroach infestation.

Oxford Magistrates Court was told a member of the public reported cockroaches in food preparation areas at the M40 Oxford Welcome Break, at junction 8a near Wheatley.

Welcome Break was issued with a hygiene emergency notice and ordered to pay more than £3,000.

Paul Fielding, head of housing and environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Our officers will continue conducting regular inspections at the site in order to protect public health.”

Cockroaches were found in the food preparation and servery areas

The notice was issued following an emergency investigation after council officers received a complaint from a member of the public.

The council said insects were found in the food preparation and servery areas.

Cockroaches carry pathogens which can be passed to food by cross contamination.

At the court hearing, District Judge Rana reviewed the evidence and statements provided by the officers and confirmed the imminent health risk.

She made a hygiene emergency prohibition order and awarded full costs of more than £3,000 to South Oxfordshire District Council.

The order has meant KFC, The Good Breakfast, Chopstix and Starbucks have had to close immediately and will remain shut until the health risk is removed.

Mr Fielding said the infestation "presented a significant risk of contamination and a serious risk to public health”.

He added: “Our officers will continue conducting regular inspections at the site in order to protect public health."

The council said the affected units at the site would remain closed until officers deemed that the health risk has been removed.

In a statement Welcome Break said: "Four food units at Oxford Services have been closed due to a pest issue. These units will remain closed until the issue is resolved."

They added: "We are cooperating with our local Environmental Health office to resolve the situation as soon as possible. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this time."