Rat infestation forces butchers to shut down

Beacon Farm supports a number of businesses on the site, including the butchers

A butcher's shop was forced to shut after environmental officers discovered a rat infestation.

The Walsall Council officers found the rats at Beacon Farm in Aldridge and immediately issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

During a hearing at Dudley Magistrates' Court on 26 October, the business was ordered to shut for four days and its owners told to pay £475 court costs.

The shop has since re-opened but its owner declined to comment on the case.

"We take food safety very seriously," said councillor Garry Perry, deputy leader and portfolio holder for resilient communities.

"When we find businesses are not meeting the correct standards, we take action for the health and safety of the public.

"Rats, cockroaches, and mice have no place in food premises."

Mr Perry said closing any Walsall business was the "last thing" the authority wanted to do.

"We want to collaborate with them to make sure they are conducting their operations legally and in a way that keeps residents and customers safe," he said

He hoped that Beacon Farm's owners would work with the council's food safety officers to address the situation.