Store allowed to reopen after rat infestation

The shop was closed in June following a visit by food hygiene inspectors

A convenience store, which had been closed by council inspectors due to a rat infestation, has been allowed to reopen after making improvements.

Swindon Borough Council served the 9 O'Clock Shop in Manchester Road, Swindon, with an Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Notice and closed the store on 17 June after deeming that it posed an imminent risk to health.

Swindon Magistrates' Court was told on Friday that the business had been visited by food hygiene inspectors after a member of the public reported seeing rats on the premises.

Council inspectors allowed the shop to reopen after carrying out a follow-up visit which showed no evidence of pests and that cleaning had improved.

However, the store will maintain its zero food hygiene rating until it can demonstrate further improvements have been made.

During the initial inspection, inspectors found holes under the butchery floor which were being used by rats and rat droppings throughout the business.

Several gnawed food items were found on shelves which were on display for sale and seven dead rats were discovered in the flat above.

Rat droppings were found throughout the business during the initial inspection

Councillor Jim Grant, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "It is important that we highlight cases like this so customers are aware of the problem and to show that we will deal with it to keep them safe.

"Significant improvements have been made, which is why our officers have allowed the store to reopen, but it is up to the business owner to keep improving standards for customers and to work on improving the zero food hygiene rating."